On February 18, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers not to purchase or use “Japan Weight Loss Blue,” a product for weight loss sold on various websites, including www.vitaminbestbuy.com.

FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that “Japan Weight Loss Blue” contains sibutramine, analogs of sibutramine, and ephedrine alkaloids. Sibutramine is a controlled substance that was removed from the U.S. market in October 2010 for safety reasons. The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact in life threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking.

In addition, this product contains ephedrine alkaloids. FDA has warned consumers against the use of dietary supplements containing ephedra and banned these products after research confirmed that ephedrine alkaloids raise blood pressure and otherwise stress the circulatory system.

Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away. Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.

For information about products used for weight loss see ConsumerLab.com's Review of Weight Loss Supplements.

For more information on the FDA warning for Japan Weight Loss Blue, use the link below.