The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use Mayhem, a product labeled as a dietary supplement that is promoted to increase appetite and muscle growth, because it contains an undeclared corticosteroid and antihistamine.
Mayhem is manufactured by Chaotic-Labz and is sold in some retail stores and on various websites, including www.chaoticlabz.com.
FDA laboratory analysis found that Mayhem contains dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, and cyproheptadine, a prescription antihistamine used for seasonal allergy treatment.
Consumers are advised that corticosteroid use can impair a person’s ability to fight infections, cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries and psychiatric problems. When corticosteroids are taken for a prolonged period, or at high doses, they can suppress the adrenal gland and cause withdrawal symptoms with abrupt discontinuation. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness and affect mental alertness.
In addition, these undeclared drug ingredients in Mayhem may cause serious side effects when combined with other medications.
Consumers taking Mayhem are urged to immediately consult with their health care provider to safely discontinue use of this product. This risk of withdrawal from corticosteroids should be assessed by a health care professional. Only licensed health care professionals can evaluate patients for the risk, or confirm the existence, of adrenal suppression. To date, FDA is not aware of any reports of adverse events related to this product.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Note: This notification is to inform the public of a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.
