Judge Allows Nationwide Ephedra Ban

A federal judge allowed a nationwide ban on dietary supplements containing ephedra to take effect Monday.

U.S. District Judge Joel Pisano refused to grant a temporary restraining order sought by two ephedra manufacturers that would have prevented the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) from banning the products.

Pisano's decision does not effect medicines containing ephedra, such as prescription or over-the-coutner cold remedies.

The New Jersey manufacturer of a popular diet supplement had hoped to head off the nationwide ban on the herbal stimulant, arguing the main ingredient in its product is safe if used as directed.

NVE Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Newton, which makes the supplement Stacker 2, had asked for the temporary restraining order pending further scientific tests.

Ephedra, once hugely popular for weight loss and bodybuilding, has been linked to 155 deaths and dozens more heart attacks and strokes.

On Monday, a second company had been allowed to join the motion for the restraining order. The National Institute for Clinical Weight Loss is an Atlanta manufacturer of a product called Thermalean