Potentially harmful ingredients in Que She dietary supplement

FDA warns that herbal weight loss supplement contains unlisted and potentially harmful ingredients.

FDA issued a warning last week that Que She, which is marketed as an herbal weight loss supplement, contains active pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the product label that could harm patients, especially those with cardiovascular conditions. Those who have purchased Que She should stop taking the product immediately and consult a health professional.

The agency’s analysis of Que She found that it contains fenfluramine, propranolol, sibutramine, and ephedrine. Fenfluramine is a stimulant that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1997 after studies demonstrated that it caused serious heart valve damage. Propranolol is a prescription beta blocker that can cause adverse effects in patients with bronchial asthma and certain heart conditions. Sibutramine is a controlled substance and prescription weight loss drug. Ephedrine is a stimulant that is legally available OTC for temporary asthma relief but can pose a risk to those with certain cardiovascular conditions.

Que She, advertised as a “slimming factor capsule” and as “an all-nature blend of Chinese herbs,” is widely distributed online and at retail outlets, FDA reported.

Posted by Alex Egervary (aegervary@aphanet.org)
July 13, 2010, 10:30 am