Hydroxycut is an over-the-counter supplement that claims to aid in weight loss. This product contains herbs, caffeine, green coffee extract, amino acids, iron, calcium and folic acid, according to Hydroxycut.com. Although this product claims to reduce your body mass index (BMI), a measurement that determines whether you are the appropriate weight for your height, there may be dangers in taking Hydroxycut. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, in May 2009 sought a recall of certain formulations of Hydroxycut after a death and 23 other incidents causing medical problems. Iovate, the company that makes Hydroxycut, has agreed to remove only certain formulations.
Liver Damage
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Hyrdoxycut may cause liver damage. Sign of liver damage include jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, nausea, vomiting, brown urine, clay-colored stools, fatigue, itchiness and stomach pain or discomfort. Lab tests will likely show elevated liver enzymes, which are signs of liver injury. In severe cases, liver failure may occur, requiring a transplant. If you are taking Hydroxycut and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Hydroxycut and seek immediate medical treatment.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Hydroxycut may harm the heart, the FDA warns, though it is not known which substances cause the problems. If you experience heart abnormalities such as dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, stop taking Hydroxycut and see a doctor.
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle tissue, also a risk in taking Hydroxycut. Muscle tissue breaks down quickly, and products of the breakdown can clog the kidneys and cause kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include flank pain, dark-colored urine, blood in the urine and difficulty urinating. Stop taking Hydroxycut if you experience these symptoms. Seek immediate medical treatment to ensure kidney function recovery.
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