Carrying around extra weight can lead to a number of problems, from poor self-image to heart disease and diabetes. Americans who struggle with obesity have a number of options when it comes to losing weight, and many are turning to medical treatments, including medications. Many of these medications are safe and effective. However, some people turn to dangerous weight loss pills without knowing it, and even illegal weight loss pills. If you’re looking for help losing weight, this dangerous diet pills list will help you know exactly what diet pills to avoid.

1. Fenfluramine

Fenfluramine and phentermine are the active ingredients in Fen-Phen, a popular weight loss drug in the 1990s. Because of a series of side effects, including heart damage and lung disease, Fen-Phen was recalled. Phentermine is sometimes prescribed, and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, but fenfluramine and Fen-Phen are banned diet pills.

2. Sibutramine

Sold under the names Meridia, Reductil, and Sibutrex, sibutramine is an appetite suppressant and was effective in helping people lose weight. The side effects, however, were unacceptable. This drug was connected to increased risk for stroke and heart attack and was banned by the FDA in 2010.

3. Clenbuterol

Also called Clen Fat Burner, this drug is a steroid that treats respiratory problems in horses, and it is not approved for people. Even so, some people, including models and athletes, have taken these illegal weight loss pills to lose weight and gain muscle. This medicine isn’t safe because it hasn’t been tested in people, and there’s some evidence it can damage the heart.

4. Hydroxycut

Next on the dangerous diet pills list is hydroxycut, which causes damage to the kidneys and liver. It was even connected to at least one death, plus reports of hepatitis and jaundice. This medication was banned in 2009.

5. Ephedra

An herbal stimulant with roots in traditional Chinese medicine, ephedra was all the rage among dieters in the 1990s and early 2000s. That is, until it was discovered that it causes stroke, heart attack, and even death. After a long court battle, ephedra was made an illegal weight loss pill in 2004. After that, it was briefly approved in small does, but ultimately the ban was put back in place.

Weight Loss Pills Don’t Have to Be Dangerous

Weight loss can improve your health and make you feel more secure in your own skin. Even though some medications are dangerous weight loss pills, there are plenty of safe and effective options out there. 
While there are many diet pills to avoid, we can help you find some that will help. Strive Pharmacy offers compounded weight loss medications to complement your healthy eating and exercise so you can reach your goals in a safe, healthy way. Contact Strive Pharmacy today!