Food and Drug Administration
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857
FDA Talk Papers are prepared by the Press Office to guide FDA personnel in responding with consistency and accuracy to questions from the public on subjects of current interest. Talk Papers are subject to change as more information becomes available.
T99-52 Print Media: 301-827-6242
November 11, 1999
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to purchase or consume the product Triax Metabolic Accelerator, containing the active ingredient tiratricol.
The product is being marketed as a dietary supplement for weight-loss purposes by Syntrax Innovations, Inc., of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. FDA has determined, however, that this product is not a dietary supplement but an unapproved new drug containing a potent thyroid hormone, which may cause serious health consequences including heart attacks and strokes.
The chemical name for the active ingredient in the product is triiodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC).
Through its MedWatch reporting system, FDA has recently learned of several individuals who were found to have abnormal thyroid function test results while using Triax. These individuals had sought medical attention because of symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fatigue, lethargy or profound weight loss.
FDA is aware that this product is being sold through retail establishments and on the internet. The agency urges all individuals who may have purchased this product or any other product containing TRIAC to stop using it immediately and, in addition, to consult their health care professional if they are experiencing any adverse effects, which may include insomnia, nervousness, sweating and diarrhea.
The State of Missouri has embargoed this product at its distributor, an action that prevents the firm from releasing for sale the supply it has on-hand. FDA has also contacted Pharmatech of Linden, Utah, the firm who manufactured the product Triax. Pharmatech has agreed to stop distributing any product containing the ingredient TRIAC. Further action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is being considered.