Ephedra

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Ephedra is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system to relax bronchial tubes. Its synthetic form is used in bronchodilators and over-the-counter medications like FDA - regulated Sudafed and Actifed. The drug is also commonly used as a source of ephedrine alkaloids for dietary supplements. In the United States, Ephedra is known as ma huang and is used in products for asthma, common cold, weight loss, allergies, congestion, cough, increased energy, and weight lifting formulas.

The FDA banned Ephedra in 2004 and removed ephedra-containing supplements from the shelves. This means that diet pills and bodybuilding products that contain ephedra and similar "stimulant" supplements are no longer be available. The ban on ephedra does not pertain to traditional Chinese herbal remedies nor to products like herbal teas that are regulated as conventional foods. Acupuncturists, herbalists and other practitioners of Oriental medicine will still be allowed to dispense teas, pills and powders containing ephedra for the purpose of treating colds, asthma, persistent cough, headache, water retention and other maladies. However, dispensing ephedra for any purpose related to weight loss, muscle building and athletic performance is prohibited.

The FDA ban was brought on by the increasing occurrence of serious adverse events and death that were reported after using ephedra, and that risks of adverse events are particularly high with strenuous exercise and/or use of stimulants including caffeine. A RAND study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health concluded that ephedra is associated with higher risks of mild to moderate side effects such as heart palpitations, psychiatric and upper gastrointestinal effects, and symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity such as tremor and insomnia, especially when it is taken with other stimulants.

A few of the incidents that have made Ephedra notorious:

• 1994 An Austin woman dies and 100 other Texans become ill after taking "Nature's Nutrition Formula One," leading to at least 21 lawsuits.
• 1996 Peter Schlendorf, 20, a student at the State University of New York in Albany, dies in a Florida hotel room during spring break, after taking "Ultimate Xphoria." The company settled the resulting lawsuit for $2.5 million.
• April, 2000 A pre-trial settlement is reached with the family of Rosanna Porraso, 15, who dropped dead during soccer practice.
• July, 2000 The CEO of Chemins Co. is sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined $4.7 million for spiking his ephedra product with ephedrine, the synthetic equivalent of the herbal product.
• August, 2001, Minnesota Viking Corey Stringer died to heat stroke linked to his use of ephedra.
• February 17, 2003, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died due to multiple organ failure, as a result of heat stroke, which was linked to his use of ephedra.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of taking any drug or supplement, call The Law Offices of Chuck Ervin now at 916-447-4357 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.