FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EPHEDRA

What is Ephedra?
Ephedra refers to several related species of herbs that commonly grow in desert areas. It is best known as a botanical source of the alkaloids ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and others. Ephedra species also contain many other constituents. Ephedra sinica, whose Chinese name is Ma Huang, has been used in recent years in products marketed for weight loss, bodybuilding and increased energy.

What is ephedrine?
Ephedrine is a chemical derivative of the herb Ephedra sinica and several other species of Ephedra, and was first isolated and used pharmaceutically about 100 years ago. It stimulates the central nervous and the cardiovascular systems, and causes the lung bronchi to dilate. Products containing ephedrine may either use the compound extracted from Ephedra or be produced synthetically.

Who is at high risk for Ephedra injuries?
Products containing ephedrine are contra-indicated in heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disease, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anxiety and restlessness, and glaucoma. Ephedra/ephedrine aggravates these conditions and therefore should not be used except if recommended by and under the surveillance of a health care professional. It should also not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Because of the stimulant and euphoric properties of Ephedra/ephedrine, certain segments of the population are more likely to abuse these products, increasing the risk to their health.

What are the side effects of Ephedra use?
Adverse effects of ephedrine can include dizziness, headache, decreased appetite, anxiety, restlessness or nervousness, gastrointestinal distress, irregular heartbeat, tachycardia (accelerated heart rate), insomnia, elevated blood pressure, flushing, hepatitis, chest pain, sweating, hypertension, stroke, seizures, psychosis, myocardial infarction and death.

What should I do if I suffered a reaction to Ephedra?
If you have suffered a reaction to an ephedrine product, you should immediately consult a physician. You should then report the facts of your adverse reaction to the FDA Consumer Hotline at (800) 532-4440. The state you live in has a department of health services which also should be contacted. Then, contact Brown & Crouppen for legal advice.

What are the treatments for injuries caused by Ephedra?
Fortunately, many of the short-term effects of Ephedra toxicity disappear when you stop taking the drug. However, the more serious side effects like stroke, hypertension, or heart damage may require continued medical care. Check with your doctor.

Why Is Ephedra not federally regulated?
Ephedra is a dietary supplement that stimulates the nervous system and speeds up metabolism. Contained in hundreds of other herbal products, despite being linked to more deaths and injuries than every other type of herbal product combined, a 1994 federal law allows ephedra to be exempted from federal regulation because it is classified as a food. Supplements like Metabolife are not subjected to the same strict clinical testing standards as prescription and most over-the-counter drugs. The FDA has been criticized for trying to obtain information on the adverse effects associated to Metabolife and other ephedra products.

How is Ephedra listed on the ingredients label?
Be sure to check the label of any dietary supplement before use. Ephedra may be listed under any of the following names:

Ephedra
Ephedra Sinica
Ephedra extract
Ephedra herb powder
Ma Huang or Ma Huang extract
Epitonin
Ephedrine
Chinese Ephedra
Pseudoephedrine and Norpseudoephedrine

How do I know if I have a case against an Ephedra manufacturer?
If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke or other adverse reaction after taking a product ephedra, you may qualify for compensation. The amount of compensation will vary, depending on the extent of the damage, any medical costs incurred as a result, and any long-term effects that resulted from having taken products containing Ephedra. Consult an experienced attorney at Brown & Crouppen for legal advice.

Have lawsuits against Ephedra makers been successful?
Courts have overseen the awarded settlements to individuals who have been harmed by products containing Ephedra. A jury in Alaska awarded $13.3 to a woman who suffered a stroke after taking a weight-loss product containing ephedrine in February 2001. Between 1994 and mid-1999, supplement companies settled nearly three dozen personal-injury and wrongful-death lawsuits involving ephedra or ephedrine. Many more suits are pending including claims against the makers of Xenadrine, Metabolife 356 and Hydroxycut.  

For answers to your questions about Ephedra, call Brown & Crouppen
at 421-HELP and talk to an experienced attorney.