September 13 ,
2006
Settlement Reached in Ephedra-Based Supplement Lawsuit
Ephedra-based supplement manufacturer N.V.E. Pharmaceuticals has settled a lawsuit in which it was accused of misleading consumers with false claims about the efficacy and safety of its products.
The complaint, which was filed on behalf of the state of New Jersey, alleged that N.V.E ran advertisements that exaggerated the benefits and underrepresented the risks associated with the use of its ephedra-based supplements, including “Stacker-2.”
According to the claim, N.V.E directly violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act. Consumer Affairs Acting Director, Stephen B. Nolan said, “This company exploited human nature to make money.”
The settlement requires N.V.E. to pay a total of $260,000 to the state. As part of the settlement, N.V.E. is prohibited from further violating the CFA by misrepresenting weight loss products.
Specifically, N.V.E. cannot:
· Claim a product leads to rapid, substantial weight loss without the need to diet or exercise
· Claim a product causes the loss of weight or fat within a specified time, if not based on reliable scientific evidence
· Use an endorsement which displays atypical results without conspicuously identifying them as atypical
· Claim a product is “medically-proven” without reliable scientific evidence
In the future, N.V.E. must supply to the state all promotional materials and advertisements for each weight loss product available for sale in New Jersey, and all of the studies, tests, or any other evidence that contradict any of the company’s claims --advertised or not.
This settlement is the state’s third in a lawsuit against a New Jersey manufacturer or distributor of Ephedra-based products for violation of the CFA.
Ephedra is a stimulant proven to cause irritability, heart palpitations, and headaches. It has also been associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, seizures, high blood pressure, and strokes. These risks, which are increased by the simultaneous use of caffeine, are widely documented in medical literature.
Injured by an Ephedrine-based supplement? Please contact us for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
For
more information on ephedra side effects, including
Metabolife side effects, please contact us to confer
with an attorney.
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