Ephedra is a deadly drug

[MARCH 1, 2003]  SPRINGFIELD -- Due to several recent deaths linked to over-the-counter herbal supplements containing ephedra, state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, is calling on his fellow lawmakers to prohibit the sale of any of these products, including Metabolife, Xenodrine and Yellow Jackets, to both children and adults.

According to Rep. Mitchell, Illinois does not currently have a law prohibiting the sale of ephedrine. Because it is marketed as a dietary supplement, the FDA cannot regulate the drug. Ephedrine can produce several adverse reactions such as heart attack, stroke, depression, convulsions, coma, fever, hypertension and respiratory depression.

"Ephedra is marketed as a weight-loss supplement and an energy booster; whereas, in reality, the drug actually increases one's heart rate to an often fatal pace," Mitchell said. "Unfortunately, this drug is suspected in many deaths, and I want to ensure this does not continue to happen."

Last year, 16-year-old Lincoln native Sean Riggins suffered a heart attack on his living room couch after taking a supplement containing ephedra. The pills were a perfectly legal product sold on the shelves of many merchants and are currently manufactured and concocted from the leaves of the Asian ma huang plant and caffeine. Many of these types of products are labeled with the warning "Not for use by individuals under 18"; however, it is not illegal for underage individuals to buy or ingest them.

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"After Sean's unfortunate and unnecessary death, as well as the recent death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler, the easy accessibility of ephedra products in Illinois stores and gas stations becomes all too real and must be regulated," Mitchell said. "They are unsafe products, and I hope my colleagues in both the House and Senate will agree to take them off our local store shelves."

House Bill 2311 is a bipartisan effort co-sponsored by Rep. Mitchell and Rep. Sara Feigenholtz. The measure has been assigned to the House Criminal Law Committee, where it will wait approval to proceed to the floor.

[News release]

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