 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
|
| Home | HealthTopics | Health Centers | Reference Library | Research |
 Join us on Facebook
|
Share on Facebook | Tweet |
|
Pharmacy and Medications |
Hyperexol11/19/2007 |
Does Hyperxol lower blood presure? and is it safe for you
Hyperexol is a dietary supplement with a purpose to "keep healthy blood pressure levels". It is unclear exactly what this means. However, it seems clear that the marketers intend that the product should be used to treat high blood pressure.
According the the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, each capsule contains:
- Vitamin C 333 mg
- B6 (pyridoxine HCl) 50 mg
- Calcium (as calcium carbonate, citrate) 33 mg
- Magnesium (as magnesium oxide) 200 mg
- Selenium (as l-selenomethionine) 50 mcg
- Potassium (as potassium gluconate, citrate) 33 mg
- Proprietary Herbal Blend 470 mg: Garlic, Hawthorn berry, Cayenne
- L-Taurine 167 mg.
- Other Ingredients: Capsules (alfalfa cellulose), Magnesium Stearate.
The statement on the Hyperexol website - "We now have scientific proof that Hyperexol really performs" is baseless. We did not find a single study comparing Hyperexol to placebo or any of the standard medicines used to treat high blood pressure. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists some of the ingredients in Hyperexol including calcium, garlic, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium as possibly effective treatment for hypertension. This means that studies of the activity of these components for high blood pressure have been inconclusive. The other components of the preparation are not typically used to treat high blood pressure. In short, despite statements on the website to the contrary, there is no medical evidence that the product works to lower blood pressure.
It is clear that lowering blood pressure to normal values is an important goal for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. With this in mind, attempting to lower blood pressure with a product that has no evidence of efficacy is inherently unsafe. The individual ingredients of Hyperexol are likely to be relatively safe when taken in appropriate doses, and within the scope of recommended daily allowances. Use of any dietary supplement while taking prescription medicines may result in potentially dangerous drug interactions. Claims that the manufacturer follows FDA recommended good manufacturing practices seems to imply approval by this government agency. However, unlike approved medicines, Hyperexol has not been evaluated for safety or efficacy by the FDA.
Hyperexol is expensive. Purchasers are directed to take two capsules twice daily. A bottle 60 capsules would last just 15 days. While quantity deals are available, the cost for 45 days is actually 114 dollars. This is a huge expense for an unproven product.
The following statement is quoted verbatim from the webpage. It is basically hidden at the bottom of the webpage in grey text on a grey background and probably presents the most accurate information available on the entire site:
FDA Required Disclaimer: The statements and products shown on this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those seeking treatment for a specific disease should consult a qualified physician prior to using our products if possible. This product should be taken as part of a healthy lifestyle. The individuals shown are paid models compensated with free product. All of the testimonial statements are genuine. The experience of the customers who have submitted these testimonials are unique and do not guarantee or predict any outcome.
Please note that despite the preceding statement, the information provided on the website clearly touts the product as a treatment for high blood pressure. The Hyperexol website is nothing more than a splashy marketing tool meant to induce an unsuspecting public to spend their money on a product that has no proven efficacy or safety. The website introduces hypertension as a major public health threat, which is true. However, it then claims that "Hyperexol is the solution". This claim appears to indicate that Hyperexol can be used to treat hypertension. In other words, it appears that Hyperexol, a dietary supplement, is being marketed as a drug. Marketing a dietary supplement as a drug is illegal.
|
Robert James Goetz, PharmD, DABAT Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Drug and Poison Information Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|