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  7. Public Notification: Asia Slim Capsules contains hidden drug ingredients
  1. Medication Health Fraud

Public Notification: Asia Slim Capsules contains hidden drug ingredients

[11-22-2017] The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use Asia Slim Capsules, a product promoted for weight loss. This product was identified by FDA during an examination of international mail shipments. FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Asia Slim Capsule contains sibutramine, diazepam, and bisacodyl. These substances can cause serious health problems.Image of Asia Slim 

  • Sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons. Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may present a significant risk for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. It may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.
  • Diazepam is the active ingredient in Valium, an FDA-approved prescription drug used for the management of anxiety disorders and short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Diazepam is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and dependency. Withdrawal symptoms including tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and irritability, have occurred when a patient abruptly stops using diazepam. Adverse events associated with the use of diazepam include dizziness, confusion, muscle weakness, and low blood pressure. Additionally, there is an increased risk of defects and other developmental abnormalities have been associated with diazepam use in pregnant women.
  • Bisacodyl is the active ingredient in Dulcolax, an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative product used for temporary relief of occasional constipation.

Health care professionals and patients should report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Note: This notification is to inform the public of a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories. 

For more information:

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