The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert advising consumers not to buy or use Alfia Weight Loss Capsules, a product promoted and sold for weight loss on various websites including, and possibly in some retail stores.
FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that the pills contain sibutramine – a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for safety reasons.
The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine substantially increases blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may present a significant risk for anyone with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.
The agency warned that the product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications being taken.
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