Intercharm Recalls Adulterated Weight Loss Products

LOS ANGELESFDA posted a notice from Intercharm Inc., announcing the company is recalling its SlimForte Slimming Capsules, Slimming Coffee and Botanical Slimming Soft Gel after FDA testing found the products contained the pharmaceutical appetite suppressant sibutramine. The drug was withdrawn from the U.S. market in late 2010 over safety concerns; sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias or stroke. No illnesses or injuries have been reported to Intercharm to date in connection with this product.

Affected products include the SlimForte Slimming Capsules, packaged in a green box containing 30 capsules (Batch No. 20100928, Best By 09.27.2012 and Batch No. 20100604, Best By 06.03.2012); SlimForte Slimming Coffee, each box containing 10 packets of instant coffee (Batch No. 20100903, Best By 09.02.2012); and Meizitang Botanical Slimming Soft Gel, sold in a green pouch with three blister packs of 12 each 650 mg softgels (Lot Code 12.24.2009, Best By 12.23.2011).

Consumers are urged to discontinue use and return unused product to place of purchase. Questions can be directed to Intercharm at (323) 876-7441. Consumers and health care providers can also report any adverse reactions to the products to FDAs MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online.