FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen Slimming Capsules

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers to immediately stop consuming a weight loss product called Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen as it is harmful.

After a series of tests, the federal agency has issued a warning about a weight loss and body reshaping product, Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen, and has advised the consumers to stop using the product as it contains a few undeclared ingredients that are potentially harmful.

Marketed by Guangzhou Zi Xiu Tang Biotechnology Co., Ltd in Guangdong Province, China, Zi Xiu Tang Bee contains potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients that the company fails to list on its labels.

 The undeclared ingredients are Sibutramine and Phenolpthalein.

Sibutramine, a controlled substance, was initially pulled off the market in 2010 due to safety reasons. This product is known to elevate blood pressure and/or pulse rate and also increases risk for those with a history of coronary artery disease.  The other ingredient Phenolphthalein is a chemical that is not an active ingredient in any of the FDA approved drugs marketed in the U.S. Research has indicated that this ingredient increases the risk of cancer.

The decision was based on review of several research studies that presented the association between the product used and serious cardiac issues.  The reports also included heart palpitations, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, chest pain, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and seizures.

The agency cautions consumers, who have experienced any of these negative effects during the use of the product, that they  should consider consulting a health care professional immediately.

"Products that contain hidden drugs pose a real danger to consumers," said Carol Bennett, acting director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "This is especially true when the products have names that mislead consumers into believing they are safe and natural."

FDA is currently investigating the distribution of this weight loss product in the United States and plans to issue warning letters or take enforcement action.