Pharmacy Services

Que She Dietary Supplement Contains Undeclared Sibutramine, Fenfluramine, Propranolol, and Ephedrine

July 9, 2010

FDA has discovered that Que She contains several undeclared ingredients, including: sibutramine, a prescription appetite suppressant; fenfluramine, a stimulant; propranolol, a prescription beta-adrenergic blocker, and ephedrine, an over-the-counter stimulant. Que She is sold on the Internet as a weight loss supplement and has been advertised as "Slimming Factor Capsule." The undeclared ingredients may pose the following health risks for consumers, both as single agents and through interactions with other medications.

Sibutramine is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and addiction. Sibutramine has been associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure in some patients. These side effects may pose a risk to patients with a history of arrhythmia, stroke, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease.

Fenfluramine is a stimulant drug that was previously marketed in the US as a prescription product. Fenfluramine was associated with serious heart valve damage and was withdrawn from the US market in 1997.

Propranolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker which is currently available in the US by prescription. Propranolol has been associated with decreased heart rate, hypotension, and bronchial constriction in some patients. These side effects may pose a risk to patients with a history of arrhythmia, stroke, congestive heart failure, or coronary artery disease.

Ephedrine is a stimulant drug that is legally marketed over-the-counter for short-term relief of asthma symptoms. Ephedrine and other ephedra alkaloids have been promoted as weight loss aids, energy boosters, and athletic performance enhancers. However, these products increase blood pressure and heart rate, and have been associated with heart attacks and stroke. In 2004, FDA banned the sale of ephedra alkaloids in dietary supplements.

Educate patients to stop using Que She and contact their primary caregiver with any concerns. Additional information is available at the following links:

Updated
July 9, 2010; University of Utah, Drug Information Service. Copyright 2010, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.