Diet supplements have been linked to 29 cases in Hawaii of acute hepatitis and liver failure, and 24 of those cases reported using OxyElite Pro before their illness. 

The state Department of Health is alerting local retailers and has requested the voluntary removal of the product until an ongoing investigation is completed, the agency said in a news release. The health department is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The health department’s Food and Drug Branch started notifying retailers and distributors to voluntarily suspend sales and remove the product from store shelves until further notice. The public is also advised to discontinue use of the product at this time. 

The 29 cases occurred in Hawaii from May through this month. The cases include two people who have undergone liver transplants, and one case ended in death. 

“No other supplement or medication has been identified in common among more than two patients,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. 

Photo: Screenshot from oxyelitepro.com

— Gene Park