From the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues its investigation of acute hepatitis illnesses linked to products labeled OxyElite Pro.
FDA advises consumers not to use any dietary supplements labeled OxyElite Pro or VERSA-1 because these products contain an ingredient, aegeline, for which the manufacturer has not provided adequate evidence of safety.
In a warning letter issued to USP Labs LLC of Dallas Texas on October 11, 2013, the FDA informed the company that the dietary supplements OxyElite Pro and VERSA-1 are deemed to be adulterated, and that failure to immediately cease distribution of these products may result in enforcement action by the FDA.
The warning letter states that the products are deemed adulterated because they contain a new dietary ingredient (an ingredient not previously present in the food supply, and for which there is no history of use or other evidence of safety when used as suggested in the labeling) which lacks adequate information to provide reasonable assurance of safety. Specifically, USP Labs failed to provide the FDA with evidence, as required by law, that aegeline, also referred to as N-[2-hydroxy-2(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide, was safe for use in its dietary supplements.
Additionally, in the warning letter, the FDA relayed findings suggesting that a causal connection may exist between the use of a product labeled as OxyElite Pro and a number of liver illnesses reported in Hawaii. On October 8, 2013, the FDA posted a statement on its website advising consumers of an ongoing investigation related to a growing number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in Hawaii and further advised consumers not to use the dietary supplement product labeled OxyElite Pro while the investigation is still ongoing. Today the FDA is advising consumers not to use an additional product produced by USP Labs labeled VERSA-1. The FDA continues to work with its federal, state, and local partners in this investigation.
What is the Problem and What is Being Done About It?
The FDA along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) are investigating a growing number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in Hawaii. There have been 29 cases of acute non-viral hepatitis with an unknown cause identified in the state. The Hawaii DOH has reported that 24 of these cases share a common link to a dietary supplement product labeled as OxyElite Pro. Eleven of the 29 cases have been hospitalized with acute hepatitis, two cases have received liver transplants and one person has died. CDC is also looking at other cases of liver injury nationwide that may be related.
The FDA advises consumers to discontinue using any dietary supplement products labeled as Oxy Elite Pro and VERSA-1 while the investigation continues. OxyElite Pro and VERSA-1 are distributed by USP Labs LLC of Dallas, Texas, and are sold nationwide through a wide range of distribution channels, including the internet and retail stores that sell dietary supplements. On October 8, 2013, USP Labs LLC informed the FDA that it would voluntarily cease distributing OxyElite Pro as the company cooperates with the investigation.
The epidemiological investigation is being conducted by the Hawaii DOH and the CDC. As part of FDA’s associated investigation, the agency is reviewing the medical records and histories of patients identified by the Hawaii DOH. The FDA is also analyzing the composition of product samples that have been collected from some of these patients. Additionally, the FDA is inspecting the facilities involved in manufacturing the product and reviewing production and product distribution records. Because USP Labs LLC has informed FDA that it believes counterfeit versions of OxyElite Pro are being marketed in the US and have been on the US market for some time, FDA is also investigating whether counterfeit product is related to any of the cases of acute hepatitis.
In a warning letter issued to USP Labs LLC of Dallas Texas on October 11, 2013, the FDA informed the company that the dietary supplements OxyElite Pro and VERSA-1 are deemed to be adulterated, and that failure to immediately cease distribution of these products may result in enforcement action by the FDA. The warning letter states that the products are deemed adulterated because they contain a new dietary ingredient (an ingredient not previously present in the food supply, and for which there is no history of use or other evidence of safety when used as suggested in the labeling) which lacks adequate information to provide reasonable assurance of safety.
Specifically, USP Labs failed to provide the FDA with evidence, as required by law, that aegeline, also referred to as N-[2-hydroxy-2(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide, was safe for use in its dietary supplements.
Additionally, in the warning letter, the FDA relayed findings suggesting a causal connection may exist between the use of a product labeled as OxyElite Pro and a number of liver illnesses reported in Hawaii. In the interest of protecting public health, we are moving quickly to learn as much as possible. We recognize that people will be concerned about these illnesses, and we will provide updates as the investigation develops.
What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis?
Symptoms of all types of hepatitis are similar and can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay colored bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes, and jaundice.
What do Consumers Need to Do?
The FDA advises consumers to discontinue using any dietary supplement products labeled as Oxy Elite Pro and VERSA-1 while the investigation continues. OxyElite Pro and VERSA-1 are distributed by USPlabs LLC of Dallas, Texas, and are sold nationwide through a wide range of distribution channels, including the internet and retail stores that sell dietary supplements.
