Ephedra Heart Attack, Seizure, and Stroke Lawsuits

Ephedra (ephedra sinica) or Ma Huang, and other products containing these extracts, have caused hundreds of illnesses including heart attacks, seizures, strokes and dozens of reported deaths. They are amphetamine-like compounds with powerful and potentially lethal stimulant effects on the central nervous system and the heart. There is also evidence that these amphetamine-like compounds may in fact cause pulmonary hypertension as well.

Ephedra Products

Ephedra is one of the most dangerous of the dietary supplements. Over 800 ephedra related injuries have been reported by ephedra users and doctors to the FDA and various state medical bodies; including more than 50 ephedra deaths. Most of these cases involve an ephedra related heart attack or high blood pressure leading to bleeding in the brain or stroke.

"We want to caution all Americans - particularly athletes and those who engage in strenuous activities - about using dietary supplements that contain ephedra," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson. "There continue to be serious questions about the risks surrounding this particular dietary supplement."

Millions of Americans have taken Metabolife, Metabolite, Metabolift, Hydroxycut, Advocare MNS Orange, Ripped Fuel, Diet Fuel, Stacker, Ripped Force, Ephedra Ma Huang, Metab-Rx Ultra, Yellow Jackets, Metab-o-lite, Xenaless, Stacker 2, Dexatrim Natural, and numerous other diet and nutritional supplements, muscle enhancers, appetite suppressants, and other products which may contain Ephedra, Ma Huang, Ephedrine, Epitonin, and/or Chinese Ephedra.

Some of these brands above have recently started to sell Ephedra-free diet supplements, but there are still millions of Ephedra laced pills, tablets and other products in existence on store shelves and in customers medicine cabinets.

Ephedra / Ma Huang

Known as Ma Huang, (Ephedra) is a member of the family of herbs known as the Ephedracae. It is native to China and varieties of the herb are also grown in Europe, India, Australia and Afghanistan. Ephedra contains two alkaloids, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine, the main constituent, is a bronchodilator and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant and has less stimulating effect on the heart and blood pressure.

Because of its stimulating effect on the nervous system, Ephedra can be found in some popular weight loss and energy products. For dieters it suppresses the appetite and stimulates the thyroid gland which stimulates metabolism. Recently Ma Huang has been the subject of scientific research for obesity because of its thermogenic fat-burning effect on dietary intake. Ephedra can cause peripheral vasoconstriction, elevation of blood pressure and cardiac stimulation, and is often combined with other tonic herbs to help counteract these effects.

Ma Huang is also found in "energy" products that may give athletes extra energy without draining their reserves. People also indicate an increase in alertness and perception. Similar to the diet formulas, it is often combined with ingredients such as kola nut or guarana which contain caffeine. Concerns over the potency of this herb and its isolated alkaloids have prompted increased regulatory scrutiny and industry label warnings. Contraindications and possible side effects should be listed on the bottle. Contraindications include general weakness, poor digestion, high blood pressure, nervousness, sleeplessness, cardiac arrhythmia's and heart disease. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.

Ephedra Side Effects

Ephedra compounds act as stimulants that can cause rapid or irregular heartbeats (heart arrhythmias). Ephedra and Ephedrine act very similar to adrenaline. They dilate the bronchial muscles, contract the nasal mucosa, raise the blood pressure and both are cardiac stimulants. Further, these compounds often cause psychological side effects such as depression, nervousness, insomnia, and rapid heart rate. When taken in combination with caffeine, Ephedrine can over-stimulate the central nervous system, leading to potentially life-threatening results.

Ephedra Strokes, Seizures, Heart Attacks and Deaths

Ephedra products are marketed in a variety of forms: pills, tablets, powders, liquid drops, teas and even chocolate bars. The industry estimates that billions of doses of Ephedra laced products are sold each year.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious adverse effects such as a heart attack, irregular heart beat (heart arrhythmia), seizures, stroke, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) or other serious medical conditions after taking a diet product, nutritional supplement or any other product containing Ephedrine, Ephedra or Ma Huang, then you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries and damages.

Ephedra Lawsuit - Ephedra Lawyer Ephedra Attorney

Mr. Willis was one of the first attorneys in the US to attack the Ephedra diet pill industry. In fact, he has been quoted in several sport medicine publications and has also been interviewed on television concerning the dangers of Ephedra diet pills. Currently, Mr. Willis represents a large number of clients who have had heart attacks, seizures, strokes and even deaths due to these "nutritional" diet pills and supplements. Ephedra lawsuits have been filed against most of the major manufacturers and distributors of these Ephedra containing products. The Willis Law Firm is working hard to get Ephedra banned from all over the counter products. The Willis Law Firm is also supporting the demand on the FDA to recall all Ephedra containing products due to the dangers and hazardous side effects of Ephedra.