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Published by Free Confidential GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Review
If you or a loved one experienced heart disease, blood clots, stroke, kidney failure, neurological injuries, liver damage, or death following the use of GNC dietary supplements, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt&Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to dangerous dietary supplements sold by GNC. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt&Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Overview
- Latest GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- GNC Supplement Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?
- GNC Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What types of GNC supplements are involved in lawsuits?
- 2. How much compensation can I expect from a GNC supplement lawsuit?
- 3. Has GNC admitted fault for selling harmful supplements?
- 4. How has GNC’s bankruptcy affected supplement lawsuits?
- 5. What medical documentation do I need for a GNC supplement lawsuit?
- 6. What dangerous ingredients were found in GNC supplements?
- 7. Can I still file a claim if I used a GNC supplement years ago?
- 8. What if I no longer have receipts or the product packaging?
- 9. How long does a GNC supplement lawsuit typically take?
- 10. Will I need to testify in court for my GNC supplement lawsuit?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Overview
GNC Holdings, Inc. is a major retailer of specialty health, wellness, and performance products based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Multiple lawsuits allege that GNC sold dietary supplements containing harmful and banned ingredients that caused severe injuries. The FDA has issued several warnings about GNC products, particularly those containing DMAA, BMPEA, and other stimulants. Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements are not subject to the same strict safety and effectiveness requirements.
Latest GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit Updates
Ongoing – GNC continues to face multiple lawsuits related to unsafe and improperly labeled dietary supplements, including claims of undisclosed ingredients and severe health risks, as highlighted by ClassAction Law Group [1].
October 22, 2024 – The Oregon Attorney General filed a lawsuit accusing GNC of selling supplements spiked with potentially dangerous unapproved substances, raising serious concerns about product safety and truth in labeling.
May 3, 2024 – A class action lawsuit alleges that GNC’s Super Magnesium supplements contain far less magnesium than advertised, raising consumer fraud and mislabeling concerns.
December 2016 – GNC agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle DOJ allegations that it sold supplements with hidden drug ingredients, including OxyElite Pro [2].
Check out our website to find out which dietary supplements lawsuits our lawyers are currently accepting.
GNC Settles Dietary Supplements Case: CBSN Video
FDA Reports and Statistics
The Food and Drug Administration has identified multiple concerns with dietary supplements sold by GNC:
- DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) faced FDA enforcement starting in 2012, with a ban effective by 2013, linked to at least 5 deaths, including 2 soldiers from OxyElite Pro sold at GNC
- In April 2015, the FDA issued warnings to manufacturers about BMPEA, labeling it misbranded and not a dietary ingredient; Oregon later sued GNC in October 2015 for selling BMPEA-tainted products
- In March 2015, the FDA required warning labels on prescription testosterone products for heart attack and stroke risks, impacting some GNC testosterone boosters broadly
- A joint FDA, DOJ, and U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation led to a 2016 non-prosecution agreement with GNC, which paid $2.25 million for failing to verify the legality of misbranded OxyElite Pro Advanced Formula sold in 2013.
Related Article: Two Companies Fined for Selling Steroid-Laced Drugs
GNC Supplement Injuries & Side Effects
GNC dietary supplements have been linked to various severe health complications, often due to harmful ingredients like DMAA, ephedra, and testosterone esters.
- Heart Disease/Heart Attack: Pre-workout or weight-loss supplements with stimulants that increase heart rate and blood pressure. Warning signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat.
- Blood Clots: Weight-loss supplements, particularly those containing ephedra, linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Warning signs include swelling in the limbs, localized pain, and skin discoloration.
- Stroke: Stimulant-heavy supplements marketed for weight loss or performance enhancement. Warning signs include sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, or severe headaches.
- Kidney Failure/Renal Disease: Supplements with high levels of protein or creatine that strain the kidneys. Warning signs include fatigue, swelling in legs or ankles, nausea, and changes in urination patterns.
- Neurological Injuries: Stimulants in pre-workout supplements may lead to seizures or long-term cognitive impairments. Warning signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
- Liver Damage: Hepatotoxic ingredients in testosterone boosters and weight-loss products. Warning signs include jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine, and fatigue.
- Death: Several fatalities linked to stimulant-containing products that significantly increase cardiovascular risk.
Do You Qualify for a GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a GNC dietary supplement lawsuit if:
- You used GNC dietary supplements such as OxyElite Pro, Jack3d, Craze, C4 Original, or testosterone boosters
- You experienced serious side effects including heart disease, blood clots, stroke, kidney failure, neurological injuries, liver damage, or a loved one died after using these products
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the GNC supplement
Related Articles:
Evidence Required for a GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuit
To support your claim, you will need:
- Purchase receipts or proof of buying GNC supplements
- Product packaging or documentation of the specific supplement used
- Medical records showing diagnosis and treatment of injuries
- Healthcare provider statements linking the injury to the supplement
- Chronological documentation of symptoms and medical visits
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation in GNC supplement lawsuits may include:
- Medical expenses for treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care
- Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery
- Pain and suffering from physical and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in cases of particularly egregious conduct
- For wrongful death cases, settlements can exceed $1 million
GNC Recall Information
Several GNC-sold products have faced FDA scrutiny:
- OxyElite Pro was recalled by USPLabs on November 9, 2013, after FDA linked it to liver damage, including cases requiring transplants
- Hydroxycut was recalled by Iovate on May 1, 2009, following FDA reports of liver damage, including one death
- Ephedra-based supplements were banned by the FDA on April 12, 2004, not recalled, due to associations with heart attacks and strokes, following high-profile GNC-related lawsuits
Statute of Limitations for GNC Dietary Supplement Lawsuits
Time limits for filing a lawsuit vary by state, but generally range from 1-3 years from the date of injury. Some states may extend this period if the harm was not immediately discoverable. Missing the filing deadline can prevent you from recovering damages, so it’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly after experiencing adverse effects.
FAQs
1. What types of GNC supplements are involved in lawsuits?
GNC lawsuits primarily involve three categories: workout supplements (like OxyElite Pro and Jack3d), weight-loss supplements (especially those containing ephedra or sibutramine), and testosterone replacement products (such as AndroGel, Testim, and Axiron).
2. How much compensation can I expect from a GNC supplement lawsuit?
Compensation varies based on injury severity, with settlements typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for heart issues, $100,000 to $1 million for blood clots, $200,000 to over $2 million for strokes, and wrongful death settlements potentially exceeding $1 million.
3. Has GNC admitted fault for selling harmful supplements?
While GNC has settled multiple lawsuits, including a $2.25 million settlement with the Department of Justice in 2016, settlements don’t necessarily constitute an admission of fault but rather an agreement to resolve legal claims.
4. How has GNC’s bankruptcy affected supplement lawsuits?
GNC’s 2020 bankruptcy filing halted all legal actions against the company and established a claims process with a January 15, 2021 deadline. Unsecured creditors, including most consumer claims, were estimated to receive between 10% and 50% of their claim value.
5. What medical documentation do I need for a GNC supplement lawsuit?
Required documentation includes blood tests assessing liver and kidney function, cardiovascular evaluations, imaging studies, toxicology reports, detailed symptom logs, healthcare visit records, medication history, and healthcare provider statements linking your injury to the supplement.
6. What dangerous ingredients were found in GNC supplements?
Key harmful ingredients include DMAA (linked to cardiovascular issues), BMPEA (associated with cardiovascular events), ephedra (known for causing strokes and sudden death), sibutramine (increasing heart attack risk), and testosterone esters (linked to heart and liver problems).
7. Can I still file a claim if I used a GNC supplement years ago?
Possibly, depending on your state’s statute of limitations and when you discovered the connection between your injury and the supplement. Some states have “discovery rules” that extend the filing period if the harm wasn’t immediately apparent.
8. What if I no longer have receipts or the product packaging?
While receipts and packaging strengthen your case, attorneys may use credit card statements, witness testimony, or medical records noting supplement use to establish that you purchased and consumed the product.
9. How long does a GNC supplement lawsuit typically take?
The timeline varies, but most cases take between 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, evidence availability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
10. Will I need to testify in court for my GNC supplement lawsuit?
Most cases settle before trial, but you should be prepared to give depositions and potentially testify if your case proceeds to court. Your attorney will thoroughly prepare you for any testimony required.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by GNC dietary supplements. Many states only allow 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim. The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt&Clark offers:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees – we only get paid if we win your case
- Nationwide representation by experienced trial lawyers
- Individual attention to your unique situation and injuries
Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve. Our experienced legal team is handling GNC supplement injury and death cases in all 50 states.
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