A nationwide recall of supplements sold for blood sugar support has been announced due to the presence of dangerous drugs prescribed for diabetes.
The recall of Fouzee SugarLin Herbal Formula capsules was called voluntarily by California-based Shoppers-Plaza on Monday and announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday.
The products were sold as herbal supplements intended to support blood sugar balance, but they contain prescription-grade diabetes drugs metformin and glyburide, which both can come with fatal side effects if used incorrectly.
The FDA described the products as "an unapproved new drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall."
Newsweek has reached out to Shoppers-Plaza for comment via email.
Metformin and glyburide are both active ingredients in several FDA-approved prescription drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and should only be available with prescriptions.
Both of these drugs could cause dangerous drops in blood sugar levels, called hypoglycemia, characterized by weakness, dizziness, sweating, paleness, increased heart rate and confusion.
If left untreated, hypoglycemia can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma or death.
Metformin comes with an added possible side effect called lactic acidosis. The condition is rare but can be fatal, involving the build-up of lactic acid in the blood.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, body aches, respiratory distress, abdominal pain and fast, deep breathing.
Consumers who have taken these products and are experiencing any symptoms that might be linked with the drugs should contact their healthcare provider.
The FDA has instructed anyone who purchased Fouzee SugarLin Herbal Formula to stop taking it immediately and return the product to its place of purchase for a full refund.
The product was promoted and sold online nationwide on various websites, including www.shoppers-plaza.com, and possibly in some retail stores.
It is packaged in a white bottle containing 180 capsules with the product code "26656690477."
The packaging describes the product as a herbal dietary supplement that promotes healthy energy levels, supports healthy bodily functions and promotes healthy weight management.
Shoppers-Plaza is notifying its distributors and customers by email and on its website and social media channels to arrange for the return of all the recalled products.
Consumers with questions are advised to contact Anthony Robinson of BICO Legal and Compliance Consulting, LLC, by calling 786/796-6708 or emailing info@bicolegalcompliance.com from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
Any health problems connected to this recall can be reported to the FDA by completing its online form.
Other ongoing supplement recalls include joint pain supplements that contain anti-inflammatory drugs, supplements sold as tejocote root that actually contain poison and hyaluronic acid tablets that contain prescription drugs.
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