Ephedra

FDA Prohibits Sales of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra

On February 9, 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule prohibiting the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) because such supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule will become effective in 60 days. In addition, FDA reiterates its advice that consumers stop using ephedra products immediately.

• Press Release: FDA Prohibits Sale of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedrine Alkaloids and Again Advises Consumers to Stop Using These Products (2/6/2004)
• Press Release: FDA Seizes Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements From On-Line Massachusetts Company (2/5/2004)
• Press Release: FDA Announces Plans to Prohibit Sales of Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra (12/30/2003)
• Consumer Alert: Stop Using Ephedra-Containing Dietary Supplements(12/30/2003; text no longer available)

Fact Sheet

• Summary of Evidence-Based Ephedra Review

JAMA Ephedra Publications (3/10/03)

• Article: Efficacy and Safety of Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance
• Editorial: The Need for Regulation of Dietary Supplements -- Lessons From Ephedra

Other Resources

• Report of NIH Ephedra Working Group (3/19/03)
• AHRQ Evidence Report on Ephedra (produced by RAND)
• Fact sheet from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services: Reducing Ephedra-Related Risks (2/28/03)
• Ephedra (Herbs at a Glance, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
• FDA: Dietary Supplement Alerts and Safety Information