Medsafe is warning consumers not to consume coffee product marketed for weight loss

Medsafe has published a privileged statement issued by the Director-General of Health under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981.

“We have published this warning to alert consumers of the dangers of this product,” the Medsafe statement said. 

“Consumers should not consume the product and should return it to the supplier or dispose of it safely.

“Medsafe is aware that other individuals or businesses may have imported this product into New Zealand for personal use or for resale. 

“Similar products marketed on international websites may also contain phenethylamine or other ingredients of concern which may, or may not, be listed on their labelling."

Phenethylamine is a Class C controlled drug. It has amphetamine-like characteristics and may have similar adverse reactions such as: agitation and psychological effects, cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and neurological effects.

“We recommend that consumers exercise caution when considering purchasing any products from international websites or through New Zealand-based social media promotions," the statement said.

“The products may be marketed as supplements or coffee products promoted as assisting weight management, appetite suppression, or mood enhancement. 

“Product ingredient lists should be carefully reviewed and discussed with a health professional.”

Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) has been sold for weight loss / weight management and is claimed to improve mood and focus.

There’s no reliable information about how many people have taken the product.  

This product is supplied through online marketing, so it is not possible to be sure that all sources / importers of these products have been identified.

Consumers should seek medical advice if they feel unwell when taking the product.

This statement is issued as an alert to warn consumers of the dangers of consuming a product marketed for weight loss, weight management or to improve mood, under the branding Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) (powder in a tub).  

The product has been tested by Medsafe and found to contain phenethylamine, a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.

Medsafe published advice for consumers, with the warning published online here.

“Do not consume Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3),” the statement said.

“If you have consumed this product and feel unwell, seek medical advice. Tell your healthcare professional that you have consumed a product containing phenethylamine.

“If you have purchased this product, return it to the point of sale or safely dispose of it.

Information for healthcare professionals

Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) has been promoted in New Zealand through social media, where consumers are directed to an international website for more information.

The product is sold and distributed for weight loss / weight management and claims to improve mood. It is labelled a dietary supplement.

The tub of Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) that was tested was found to contain phenethylamine at approximately 20mg/g.

The product label declares the presence of PEA (Beta phenylethylamine HCl).

Phenethylamine is a Class C controlled drug. It has amphetamine-like characteristics and may have similar adverse reactions such as: agitation and psychological effects, cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and neurological effects.

If a patient presents with adverse reactions that may possibly be attributable to phenethylamine, then use of the above product should be considered.

Adverse reactions to the product should be reported to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring, here.

Consumers can also report any concerns to Medsafe, here.

This warning has been issued as a privileged statement by the Director-General of Health under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981.

Phenethylamine (also known as phenylethylamine, PEA, Beta-phenethylamine, or B-phenethylamine) is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Phenethylamine has mood and weight loss related therapeutic effects.

“On 11 October 2019, we issued a safety warning that the product Valentus SlimROAST Optimum Dark Roast Coffee (a similar product to Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3)) should not be consumed.”

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