Consumer Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take Ephedra if I am pregnant or nursing a child?

No. The label adopted by responsible members of Industry, which Industry has urged FDA to adopt and has also become law in several states, specifically states that Ephedra should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing

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2. Will Ephedra cause insomnia?

Ephedra has a stimulant effect on the body. Therefore, if it is consumed too close to going to bed, it may cause sleeplessness.

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3. Can I take Ephedra and continue to follow my normal diet and still lose weight? Do I need to lower my caloric intake and exercise to ensure that it will work?

Everyone agrees that the way we lose weight is to burn more calories than we consume. Ephedra helps in that process by producing a thermogenic effect, which causes one to burn more calories. Further, it appears that by taking Ephedra people seem to eat less and have more energy and thus are more active. Whether one also needs to consciously lower their caloric intake and/or exercise depends on a variety of circumstances, which is best discussed with your health care professional.

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4. What is the difference between Ephedra and Phen-Fen?

Ephedra and Phen-fen are two completely different substances. Phen-Fen is a synthetic pharmaceutical drug. Ephedra, a naturally occurring substance, is derived from a plant known as Ma Huang. These are two very different substances and there are no similarities between the two.

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5. Is Ephedra the same substance that was banned from cold medicines like Sudafed because it causes strokes in women?

No. The product that was banned in certain cold medications was phenylpropanolamine. Ephedra does not contain phenylpropanolamine.

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6. My son is trying out for a high school sports team and wants to take Ephedra to better prepare him. Is this okay?

No. The label adopted by responsible members of Industry, which Industry has urged FDA to adopt and has also become law in several states, specifically states that Ephedra should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.

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7. If Ephedra is natural then why do I hear that it is unsafe?

Ephedra is safe when taken as directed. Like anything, whether it is natural or not (peanuts are natural but for some people, unsafe to eat), some people should not use Ephedra. To use it properly, one must read and follow the directions.

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8. My doctor told me that I need to lose 100 pounds. Is Ephedra an option for me?

While Ephedra could be an option, it will depend on a number of factors, including your overall health, your medical history and what other drugs or other products you are taking. You should consult with your health care professional.

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9. Will taking more than the recommended serving size increase my ability to lose weight?

No. The label adopted by responsible members of Industry, which Industry has urged FDA to adopt and has also become law in several states, specifically states that "exceeding recommended serving will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects." One should always read the label and follow directions.

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10. I am currently taking a prescription drug to cure a stomach ulcer. Can I continue to take Ephedra?

The label adopted by responsible members of Industry states that you should consult with a health care professional before taking an Ephedra product if you are on prescription medication.

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11. Why does Public Citizen think that Ephedra should be banned?

Public Citizen is basing its proposed ban on the same unscientific information that was used by FDA to support the proposed limits on the sale of Ephedra products, a proposal that FDA has now substantially withdrawn. Public Citizen, like FDA in 1997, has ignored the considerable body of clinical data that shows that Ephedra is safe and effective when taken as directed. EEC agrees with one aspect of the Public Citizen proposal, synthetic products should not be sold as natural products.

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12. How is Ephedra linked to herbal ecstasy?

Legitimate Ephedra products are not. There are unscrupulous businesses that market products containing Ephedra to minors as illicit drugs. Responsible members of Industry have for years urged FDA to use its enforcement powers to take these illegal products off the market. In fact, Industry has submitted a Citizen Petition to FDA urging appropriate regulation of Ephedra products. One of the statements in the petition is a specific ban on claims that Ephedra "may be useful to achieve an altered state of consciousness, euphoria, or as a "legal" alternative for an illicit drug."

Note: The information on these pages is not a substitute for medical advice from your medical or other health professional.

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