OxyElite Pro Liver Damage Reports Continue Amid Recall of Supplement

Following a recent recall of OxyElite Pro weight loss supplements, additional reports of liver damage have been linked to the product in multiple states.

OxyElite pro is a weight loss and muscle building supplement manufactured by Dallas, Texas based USPlabs, LLC, which formally removed the product from the market last week amid concerns about a link between OxyElite Pro and liver problems suffered by users.

Over the past few months, more than 50 cases of liver damage from OxyElite Pro have been reported nationwide, including cases ranging from hepatitis to liver failure requiring a liver transplant.

The problems were first identified in Hawaii, where the majority of the reported cases to date have surfaced. However, a growing number of cases are now being identified among individuals in the contiguous United States

According to a report by Cleveland.com, a 33 year old woman was hospitalized as a result of liver damage from OxyElite Pro, indicating that she began experiencing problems after taking the supplements in June.

In another report by 7 News in San Diego, a case of liver failure from OxyElite Pro was described after a 45 year old California woman experienced problems. As a result, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency also issued a warning last week.

Since April 1, the CDC has confirmed at least 56 cases of liver damage that may be associated with OxyElite pro, with the majority of those identified reporting that they used the supplement within 60 days prior to the illness. Nearly 20 people have been hospitalized after suffering from liver failure or hepatitis, two people have needed liver transplants and at least one Hawaiian woman died after taking the supplement for only a few weeks.

In a November 4 letter sent to USPlabs, the FDA called for the product to be recalled, indicating that it is considered adulterated because it contains aegeline, an Asian compound derived from a tree. Aegeline is considered a new dietary ingredient that has no safety history in the United States before 1994.

Although USPlabs has disagreed with the assessment of aegeline, maintaining that the ingredient has a long history of safe use, the company agreed to recall OxyElite Pro last week. The manufacturer also said that it would destroy the current inventory in their distribution center that contains aegeline and has promised to reformulate the product.

While the investigation into the exact cause of the liver damage reports continues, it remains unclear whether aegeline is at the root of the illnesses. Other causes may potentially stem from a contaminant or a product production error.

As additional information is learned, the manufacturer is likely to face a number of OxyElite Pro liver damage lawsuits in courts throughout the country that may be brought on behalf of individuals who have been diagnosed with hepatitis, liver failure or other liver injury after using the product.