FDA is warning the public not to use body-building products that claim to contain steroids or steroid-like substances, because they can cause serious health problems. These products, which are sold online and in retail stores, are promoted as alternatives to anabolic steroids for increasing muscle mass and improving sports performance. Although these products are often marketed as dietary supplements, they are actually unapproved new drugs containing synthetic steroids or steroid-like substances that have not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.

FDA has received reports of serious injuries associated with these products, including liver damage, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism. It is also known that products containing anabolic steroids can cause a variety of long-term effects, including shrinkage of the testes, infertility and breast enlargement in men, masculinization in women, and short stature in children. They can also produce adverse effects on blood lipids, with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

FDA has sent a warning letter to American Cellular Laboratories, a company that has marketed these body-building products under a number of brand names. A list of these products can be found below. FDA is also gathering additional information about other products that claim to contain steroids or steroid-like substances.

FDA recommends that healthcare professionals ask patients about their use of any over-the-counter products, including supplements, and that they be alert to patients presenting with the warning signs of steroid use.

Consumers should immediately stop taking any product that claims to contain steroids or steroid-like substances, or to have hormone-like effects in the body. They should seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that might be associated with these products, including nausea, weakness, fatigue, fever, abdominal or chest pain, shortness of breath, jaundice, or discolored urine. (less info)