The Food and Drug Administration in the US has removed the dietary food supplement, ‘Joyful Slim’ from the shelves following evidence that it contains the drug Sibutramine.
This news follows the suspension of Sibutramine’s license in the EU in January of this year. Along with the once successful weight loss pill, Reductil, Sibutramine is found in Zelium, Reduxade, Ectiva, and Meridia – all of which have been licensed at some stage. Sibutramine has been connected to an increase in blood pressure and cardiovascular related illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes in certain patients. Other side effects include, mood swings and chest pain. The jury is currently out on whether Sibutramine is safe for people with no pre-existing cardiovascular problems.
The removal of Joyfil Slim does not affect any licensed product containing Sibutramine, such as Meridia, which is still licensed as a controlled substance by the FDA.