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.  In addition, FDA reiterated its advice that consumers stop using ephedra products immediately.

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