FDA yanks diet supplement Fruta Planta after adverse events, suspected death reported

The FDA is urging consumers to discard remaining portions of “All Natural Chinese Weight Loss Solution” Fruta Planta in a tightly sealed container, or to contact Kissimmee, Florida based PRock Marketing, LLC to return the supplement, after adverse effects including a possible death have been linked with Fruta Planta and Reduce Weight Fruta Planta.

The FDA says samples of the supplement tested by their agency revealed the presence of sibutramine, a component of the medication Meridia- a drug pulled from the US market in October of 2010 due to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. According to a notice posted on the Fruta Planta website, the company has suspended distributing the product but seeks to confirm the FDA used “authentic” Fruta Planta in their tests:

MedWatch is a consumer site that takes consumer complaints in regards to products sold on the market. The FDA and/or MedWatch has NOT directly contacted Fruta Planta to obtain TESTING SAMPLES and therefore, at this time we cannot determine if The Authentic Formula Fruta Planta was in fact the product that was consumed.

In addition to life-threatening side effects, sibutramine could have serious interactions with other medications consumers may be taking. Anyone who believes they made have experienced an adverse event due to the use of Fruta Planta or Reduce Weight Fruta Planta has been advised to contact the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.