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U.S. Lawmakers Pushing for Ephedra Ban
November 7, 2003

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News Summary

A group of U.S. lawmakers is calling for an immediate ban on ephedra, saying the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sufficient evidence that the weight-loss herb is too dangerous to be on the market, Reuters reported Nov. 6.

The lawmakers are pressing for a congressional resolution that may encourage the Bush administration to ban the drug.

Last February, the administration said it was considering a ban, having reviewed reports of deaths, strokes, seizures and other health problems in people who used supplements containing ephedra.

"We have overwhelming evidence that this drug is dangerous," said Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), citing reports of 155 deaths of individuals who took ephedra and more than 16,500 complaints. "What more does it take for our government to act?"

Durbin is sponsoring the resolution with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) as a co-sponsor. Two Republicans and two Democrats introduced a similar resolution in the House of Representatives.

Michael McGuffin, president of the American Herbal Products Association, said the stimulant is safe as long as it is taken as directed. He added that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support a ban.

The FDA said it is reviewing thousands of public comments, "adverse event" reports, and medical literature before rendering a decision.

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