Philippine government warns against use of harmful slimming capsules

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned on Wednesday against the use of unregistered slimming capsules which contain harmful substances such as amphetamine and sibutramine. In its latest advisory, the FDA cited Fat Burner HCA 500 milligram capsules manufactured by America Bysilver Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. as one product which could pose danger to consumers. The slimming capsules are available in the local market and online. The agency said the slimming capsule contains amphetamine which could cause irregular heartbeat, confusion, urine retention and painful urination, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, muscle pain, severe agitation, rapid breathing and tremor. The FDA said large doses of the capsule could cause psychosis, anuria, cardiogenic shock cerebral hemorrhage, renal failure, circulatory collapse, and coma. The product was also found to have sibutramine which can cause heart attacks and strokes. The agency said the Fat Burner slimming capsule is not authorized for sale in the Philippines.