Andrew
12-30-03, 11:52 AM
By JOHN SOLOMON, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The federal government announced on Tuesday a ban on the sale of ephedra, an herbal supplement used for weight control that has been linked to a number of deaths and harmful side effects.
Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary Tommy Thompson said that "based on the best possible scientific evidence" his agency would issue a consumer alert about the dangers of ephedra and will send notices to manufacturers to stop selling the herbs.
"The time to stop taking this product is now," he said.
"They are just too risky to use," said the secretary.
Thompson said the decision was "well grounded" and based on extensive scientific study. The ban would take effect in 60 days.
"I don't want people turning to ephedra thinking they could lose weight," Thompson told a news conference.
Mark McClellan, head of the Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites), said his agency is notifying consumers and manufacturers that it will publish a rule making it illegal to sell and use ephedra.
He said the agency was concerned about young people and athletes looking to ephedra to boost their performance. Use of the supplement has led to serious health effects, he said.
"We're sending a strong and clear signal" that such products should come off the market, McClellan said.
McClellan said the FDA reviewed major studies of ephedra and publicly issued findings about the herb. He said the publication received thousands of comment and expressions of support for taking the product off the market.
The rule will go into effect in 60 days "and have the practical effect" of banning ephedra, he said.
"Ephedra raises your blood pressure and stresses your system," McClellan said. "There are far better, safer ways, to get in shape."
WASHINGTON - The federal government announced on Tuesday a ban on the sale of ephedra, an herbal supplement used for weight control that has been linked to a number of deaths and harmful side effects.
Health and Human Services (news - web sites) Secretary Tommy Thompson said that "based on the best possible scientific evidence" his agency would issue a consumer alert about the dangers of ephedra and will send notices to manufacturers to stop selling the herbs.
"The time to stop taking this product is now," he said.
"They are just too risky to use," said the secretary.
Thompson said the decision was "well grounded" and based on extensive scientific study. The ban would take effect in 60 days.
"I don't want people turning to ephedra thinking they could lose weight," Thompson told a news conference.
Mark McClellan, head of the Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites), said his agency is notifying consumers and manufacturers that it will publish a rule making it illegal to sell and use ephedra.
He said the agency was concerned about young people and athletes looking to ephedra to boost their performance. Use of the supplement has led to serious health effects, he said.
"We're sending a strong and clear signal" that such products should come off the market, McClellan said.
McClellan said the FDA reviewed major studies of ephedra and publicly issued findings about the herb. He said the publication received thousands of comment and expressions of support for taking the product off the market.
The rule will go into effect in 60 days "and have the practical effect" of banning ephedra, he said.
"Ephedra raises your blood pressure and stresses your system," McClellan said. "There are far better, safer ways, to get in shape."