Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
Warning Letters Sent to Body Building Product Companies: FDA
Warning letters about body building products labeled to contain steroids and steroid-like substances have been sent to a number of companies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
The warning letters were sent to Flex Fitness/Big Dan's Fitness, AndroPharm, and Hardcore Formulations.
Their products, which claim to increase muscle mass and strength, are marketed as dietary supplements, but are not. Rather, they are unapproved drugs that have not been reviewed for safety or effectiveness, and put users at risk for liver and kidney damage, heart attack and stroke, shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, according to the FDA.
An agency review found that these types of products were linked with 35 patients who suffered liver damage over seven years. Many of the patients required hospitalization.
Consumers who have used these products should consult a doctor if they have symptoms such as nausea, weakness or fatigue, fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), or brown/discolored urine, the FDA said.
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Rawhide Dog Chew Products Recalled
Rawhide dog chew products sold in the United States under a variety of brand names are being recalled due to possible chemical contamination, United Pet Group says.
The brands include American Beefhide, Digest-eeze, and Healthy Hide, including Healthy Hide Good -n- Fun and Healthy Hide Good -n- Fit.
The rawhide chew products may contain quaternary ammonium compound, an anti-microbial chemical. If dogs consume the chemical, they can develop symptoms such as reduced appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. In some cases, veterinary treatment may be required.
For more information, contact the United Pet Group at 1-855-215-4962.
