Potentially harmful drug in Broward company’s weight loss pill triggers recall, FDA says

A Broward health company’s weight loss pill caught the attention of the FDA after the regulatory agency found it contained a drug that was taken off the market over a decade ago for possibly causing severe health risks.

On Wednesday, the FDA advised to not purchase or use Alfia Weight Loss Capsules that were sold online and in some retail stores.

Alfia is based in Hollywood, at 3001 S Ocean Dr., and sells pills for weight management, vitamin boosters and weight loss, according to its website.

A FDA laboratory analysis confirmed a finding of sibutramine in the weight loss pill, a controlled substance that was removed from the market in 2010 for safety reasons, the FDA said.

The pill “poses a threat” to consumers as sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or heart rate in some people and may create a significant risk for people with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke.

If the pill is mixed with other medications it could be life-threatening, the FDA said.

The Herald sought comment from the business but was unsuccessful.

Those who have the product should report adverse side effects to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program using either of these methods:

▪ Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form

▪ Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.