FDA to Ban Ephedra
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers to stop taking the dietary supplement ephedra—a stimulant sold for weight loss and sports performance—because of concerns about safety. The FDA also announced on Dec. 30, 2003, that it plans to ban the drug. Ephedra, also called ma huang, has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. The ban will take effect 60 days after the FDA publishes a ruling.
Author: Marianne Flagg
Primary Medical Reviewer: Adam Husney, M.D., Family Practice
Last Updated December 30, 2003