Today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is investigating the scientific merits of an injection U.S. spas and a Brazilian company claim melts fat. The FDA suspects the spas and company are deceiving consumers about the abilities of the injections. Kathleen Anderson, Deputy Director of the FDA’s Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance, said “They make it sound so good and so safe. They claim it dissolves fat — melts it away with no side effects — and they have done thousands of procedures, and it really sells well.”
The injections are commonly referred to as lipodissolve, mesotherapy, lipozap, lipotherapy, or injection lipolysis. Patients receive a series of injections intended to “dissolve and permanently remove small pockets of fat from various parts of the body.” The primary ingredients of the injections are phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate. Vitamins and herbs may be added.
The FDA has received reports of adverse effects in persons who have had the procedure using these drugs, including permanent scarring, skin deformation, and deep painful knots under the skin in areas where the lipodissolve products have been injected.
The injections are not FDA-approved, nor has it verified the injections eliminate fat. The FDA has asked a Brazilian company and six medical spas in the US to provide a written response within 15 days with their action plan to correct the situation.
Caution With Non-FDA Approved Products
Use caution whenever using a product that is not FDA-approved. Before taking any supplements or undergoing a new “cutting edge” procedure, do your homework. Research the ingredients, popularity and side-effects of the product or procedure. Research the credentials of the health care provider who is suggesting the product or procedure.
Learn More About Lipodissolve
To learn more about lipodissolve, visit Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery’s: Lipodissovle – Why Is It Under Scrutiny?
Your Legal Rights
If you have experienced adverse effects from lipodissolve injection, you may have a legal claim. As a consumer, you have a right to be fully informed of the ingredients and known side-effects of a product. Consumer protection laws protect you from false and misleading advertising.
Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This post is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued by reading this post. If you would like further information regarding the matters discussed herein, you may post a comment. If you need a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.
Ms. Filutowski has a track record of recovering over $3.5 million dollars for her clients through negotiations, arbitrations, mediations and trial.
