Phenylpropanolamine
(PPA) in Weight Loss Pills
Do not take any over-the-counter diet pills, appetite suppressants
or weight loss products containing PPA - consult your doctor,
first. PPA is not effective in weight loss and can be dangerous.
PPA Banned in Over-the-Counter Diet Pills
In November 2000 the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
announced a ban on the sale of phenylpropanolamine (also known as
PPA) in products that are sold without a doctor's prescription.
PPA - Not Effective For Weight Loss
Short for phenylpropanolamine, PPA is the active ingredient in
Dexatrim, Acutrim, and several other over-the-counter weight loss
products. PPA used to be a best-selling diet pill but it's weight
loss benefits were marginal.
According to the FDA's Office of Over the Counter Drug Evaluation,
"even the best studies show only about a half pound greater weight
loss per week using PPA combined with diet and exercise."
PPA Weight Loss Pills Too Unhealthy to be Sold Over-the-Counter
In October 2000, a panel of FDA advisers concluded that PPA
was too dangerous to be available in over-the-counter products and
called for makers to stop selling drugs containing it. Medical
experts point out that between 1965 and 1990, the agency learned
of 142 serious reactions - including extreme spikes in blood
pressure, headaches, strokes, and eight deaths - linked to PPA.
PPA Weight Loss Pills Linked to Stroke
Phenylpropanolamine has been linked to an increased risk of
hemorrhagic stroke, commonly referred to as "bleeding in the
brain", which can result in death or severe disability. A recent
Yale University study of hemorrhagic stroke victims suggests that
women, age 18-49, were at almost 16 times greater risk of stroke
within the first three days of taking appetite suppressants
containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA) than those who did not take
phenylpropanolamine (PPA).
Diet & Weight Loss Pills
Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or
over-the-counter weight loss supplements, are only effective when
combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.
NOTE: Before using any form of diet pills or weight loss
supplements, please consult your doctor.
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