Health Officials Urge Public to Avoid Dietary Supplement

The state Department of Health is advising the public to avoid the use of the OxyElite Pro supplement following an investigation into cases of liver damage.

The department’s Food and Drug Branch was also asking retailers and distributors to “voluntarily suspend sales” and remove the product from store shelves until further notice.

The health department, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are currently investigating 29 cases of acute hepatitis and liver failure that have occurred in Hawaii since May. They include two individuals who have undergone liver transplants and one death.

“Twenty-four cases reported using OxyElite Pro before their illness,” Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist said in a statement issued today. “No other supplement or medication has been identified in common among more than two patients.”

State Health Director Loretta Fuddy urged people who use dietary or nutritional supplements for weight loss or muscle gain to consult their physicians.

“Anyone who develops symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, and yellow skin or eyes, should consult their doctor immediately,” Fuddy said.

The Food and Drug Administration is also advising consumers to stop using the product while the investigation continues.