Alert Issued for Popular Weight-loss Supplement Associated With Liver Damage, Death

Orlando, FL, May 15, 2009 -- The attorneys at Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor are urging Central Florida residents to immediately stop use of Hydroxycut products.

The statement comes after a warning was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding 23 cases of serious health problems, including liver failure and death, linked to Hydroxycut products. The manufacturer of the popular weight-loss supplement, Iovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario, has issued a recall of its Hydroxycut products in the wake of the FDA report.

"This widely used consumer product is proving dangerous, and we want to make sure every user of this product knows of the risk to their health," said Julio Martinez of the nationally recognized product recall firm Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor.

Martinez has urged all Central Florida consumers who have used Hydroxycut to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)

• Brown urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Light-colored stools

• Excessive fatigue

• Weakness

• Stomach or abdominal pain

• Itching

• Loss of appetite

Potentially dangerous products like Hydroxycut are allowed into the U.S. marketplace because the FDA doesn't have a formal approval process for herbal supplements.

"The frightening thing is that liver injuries occurred even when consumers used Hydroxycut at the recommended dosage," said Mr. Martinez. "We believe companies should be held accountable when they sell dangerous products like this that harm innocent consumers."

Other health problems associated with Hydroxycut include seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and a type of muscle damage that can lead to kidney failure. According to the FDA, these symptoms can occur while taking Hydroxycut or up to several months after ceasing to take the supplement.

Hydroxycut products are immensely popular with consumers trying to lose weight. In 2008, more than 9 million units of Hydroxycut products were sold at U.S. health food stores, grocery chains and other businesses. The recalled supplements are marketed under both the Iovate and Muscletech brand names.

Because of the serious health risks that have now surfaced, Iovate is recalling 14 Hydroxycut products from the market, including Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Carb Control, Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets and Hydroxycut Natural.

The full list of products being recalled is available on the firm's Web site.

About Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor:

Since 1988, the nationally recognized law firm of Martinez, Manglardi, Diez-Arguelles & Tejedor has been helping Central Florida residents with product recall litigation. The firm utilizes a team of professionals in representing consumers, including nurses, doctors, engineers and product liability attorneys. The firm offers no-cost consultations in clients' homes, hospital rooms or in their offices. The Central Florida offices are conveniently located in Orlando, Kissimmee and Apopka. The firm's attorneys can be contacted by calling 1-888-337-3246 or via an online form.

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