Fake Alli diet pills can pose health risks

Important article by CNN that I wanted to point out since diet products have been an often discussed topic. Fake Alli diet pills can pose health risks:

The FDA warned consumers this week that fake versions of the over-the-counter drug are being sold, mainly on online auction sites.

Testing shows that the counterfeit pills contain excessive amounts of sibutramine, a prescription drug and controlled substance that can place people with cardiovascular disease at risk for higher blood pressure, heart attack or stroke, said Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The fake pills contain at least twice as much sibutramine as would normally be recommended, she said.

"Unfortunately, many people with high blood pressure or heart disease are trying to improve their health by losing weight, and we are concerned that such individuals might be exposed to the counterfeit drug," Woodcock said.