Mexican diet pills, often marketed as a quick solution for weight loss, have gained popularity due to their accessibility and affordability. However, many of these products are not approved by the FDA and can pose significant health risks. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the dangers associated with Mexican diet pills, drawing on case studies, FDA warnings, and scientific literature.
The Risks of Non-FDA Approved Diet Pills
Non-FDA approved diet pills can be dangerous to one’s health. These products may contain undisclosed ingredients, incorrect dosages, or substances that interact negatively with other medications or pre-existing conditions. Some of these products may be purchased outside of the United States.
Case Study: Redotex® and T3 Thyrotoxicosis
A case reported in the literature illustrates the potential dangers of Mexican diet pills. A 15-year-old female presented to her physician with a two-day history of nausea, weakness, shakiness, anxiety, and anterior neck soreness without dysphagia. She had been at a camp earlier that week and was sent home early because of her symptoms. Her primary physician sent her to the emergency department for evaluation of tachycardia.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
On admission, her pulse ranged between 120 and 155 beats per minute (BPM), and blood pressure was up to 126/81 mmHg. An electrocardiogram (EKG) showed sinus tachycardia. Urine toxicology was positive for benzodiazepines only. Labs showed a suppressed TSH <0.03 uIU/mL, and normal range Free T4 of 0.92 ng/dL. Total T3 level was pending upon admission. Sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated at 46 mm/hr (reference range 0-20).
Treatment and Admission of Redotex® Use
She was started on propranolol 20 mg every 8 hours, and her tachycardia improved (pulse between 105 to 110 BPM). She received a total of five doses of propranolol over a span of two days. Although she initially denied any ingestion, she later admitted to taking two pills of a weight loss drug known as Redotex®, purchased in Mexico. She took one pill a day, for two days prior to coming to the emergency room.
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Redotex® Composition and Effects
These pills are banned by the US FDA and contain 75 mcg synthetic tri-iodothyronine (T3), 50 mg norpseudoephedrine, 0.36 mg atropine, 8 mg diazepam, and 16.2 mg aloin (a stimulant-laxative). When her T3 level returned, it was markedly elevated at 776 ng/dL (reference range 84-179). Thyroglobulin antibodies, anti-TPO, and TSI antibodies were negative.
Thyroid Scan and T3 Levels
Given her elevated ESR and neck soreness concerning for subacute thyroiditis, a thyroid scan was obtained showing decreased uptake of 4.2% and 5.7% at 5 and 22 hours, respectively. However, a higher thyrotoxic T4 level would be expected if due to subacute thyroiditis. Her T3 level dropped from 776 ng/dL to 79 ng/dL within five days, also arguing against subacute thyroiditis and supporting her acute intoxication, as the half-life of T3 is about one day. The only treatment she received was a short course of propranolol for the first two days of her hospitalization.
Conclusion of the Case
This case illustrates that Redotex® diet pills appear to cause immediate, profound, and possibly life-threatening symptoms with even a brief exposure to as little as two doses, as the patient described. Such low uptake may be consistent with subacute thyroiditis or exogenous thyroid hormone intoxication.
Redotex® Ingredients and Their Impact
Redotex® contains a supra-physiologic dose of T3 and is combined with norpseudoephedrine and atropine, which may exacerbate the thyrotoxic effects of T3 in terms of hypertension and tachycardia, respectively. In contrast, benzodiazepines contained in Redotex® can mask some of those symptoms.
Availability and Enforcement
Redotex® was banned by the FDA, but it is hard to enforce a ban on such products, as they can be purchased in Mexico or online.
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FDA Warnings and Actions
The FDA has issued numerous warnings regarding Mexican diet pills due to the presence of dangerous and undeclared ingredients.
Yellow Oleander Contamination
FDA analysis has determined that certain products labeled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed are adulterated because they contain yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) instead of the labeled ingredients. Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and a toxic substance of concern to public health officials.
Health Risks of Yellow Oleander
Consuming yellow oleander can cause severe adverse health effects and be potentially fatal. The FDA is advising consumers to stop using and dispose of these products. The FDA advises consumers who have taken any of these products to contact their health care provider immediately, even if the products have not been used recently, so that an appropriate evaluation may be conducted.
FDA Actions and Recommendations
The FDA is actively working with the third-party platforms where these products are sold. The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, and the FDA will continue to provide information on any further actions as it becomes available. Products may be added to this advisory. The FDA is working to further address the concerns related to these products and monitoring the market for adverse events, product complaints, and other emerging issues.
Previous FDA Updates
December 3, 2024: The FDA has added two additional products containing toxic yellow oleander to this Safety Alert.
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September 27, 2024: The FDA has added three additional products containing toxic yellow oleander to this Safety Alert.
April 4, 2024: The FDA has completed analytical testing of an additional product which has similarly tested positive for yellow oleander. The FDA has received adverse event reports, including one report of a serious adverse event, for Green ELV Nutrition brand Elv Control Herbal Supplement (capsules).
March 12, 2024: The FDA continues to receive adverse event reports related to the products identified in this Safety Alert. The agency is reminding consumers to avoid these products because they contain toxic yellow oleander and can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse health effects that may be severe, or even fatal.
Common Ingredients and Their Effects
Mexican diet pills often contain a combination of ingredients that can have dangerous effects on the body.
Tri-iodothyronine (T3)
T3 is a synthetic thyroid hormone that can cause thyrotoxicosis, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia, anxiety, and weight loss. Supra-physiological doses can lead to severe cardiac issues and other complications.
Norpseudoephedrine
This is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, exacerbating the effects of T3 and potentially leading to cardiovascular problems.
Atropine
Atropine can further increase heart rate and may cause other side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
Diazepam
This is a benzodiazepine that can mask some of the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, making it difficult to recognize the dangerous effects of the other ingredients.
Aloin
Aloin is a stimulant-laxative that can cause gastrointestinal distress and dehydration.
Alternative Options for Weight Loss
Given the dangers associated with Mexican diet pills, it is essential to consider safer and more sustainable options for weight loss.
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help promote weight loss without the risks associated with unregulated diet pills.
Regular Exercise
Regular physical activity is crucial for weight management and overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Medical Supervision
Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance and support for weight loss. They can help create a safe and effective plan tailored to individual needs and health conditions.