June 18, 2002

The Food and Drug Administration has decided to wait for further clinical studies of the weight-loss supplement ephedra before taking steps to regulate its dose and use. A Mayo Clinic review of adverse events associated with normal or high doses of supplements containing ephedrine reported 11 sudden deaths, 16 strokes, and 10 heart attacks. Individuals under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing women, individuals with diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, or taking drugs that interact with ephedrine should not consume supplements containing ephedra.