Two Weight-Loss Supplements Voluntarily Recalled

Forever Beautiful Bee Pollen and Forever Beautiful Infinity were found to be forever dangerous to consumers. Now, the 2 products marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss are being voluntarily recalled by REFA Enterprises, LLC.

The FDA found undeclared sibutramine or a combination of both sibutramine and phenolphthalein in a laboratory analysis of the products, according to a press release.

Sibutramine had been used as an appetite suppressant but was withdrawn from the US market in 2010 for its increased risk of seizures, heart attacks, arrhythmia, and strokes, according to the FDA. Sibutramine can also increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients, and it can cause harm especially to individuals with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke, the FDA noted.

Previously used as an OTC laxative, phenolphthalein is no longer approved for marketing in the United States due to carcinogenicity concerns, according to the FDA. The drug also has several health risks associated with it, such as serious gastrointestinal disturbances, irregular heartbeat, and cancer with long-term use.

Both products were packaged in bottles containing 60 capsules and were sold via the Internet from July 2014 to November 2014. Consumers should stop using the products and return them to REFA, the press release said.

Anyone who has experienced an adverse reaction to the products can also report it to the FDA’s MedWatch by downloading a form at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and submitting it online, or by requesting the form by phone at 1-800-332-1088 and mailing it in or submitting it via fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.