Angel Brito from Dickinson claimed that a dietary supplement manufactured by TF Supplements caused severe and permanent damage to his liver and has consequently filed a lawsuit against the company. Brito claimed that he became jaundiced, suffered several weeks of uncontrollable itching, and experienced extreme pains in his side after taking P-Drol, which is a steroid precursor and manufactured by TF Supplements. P-Drol is marketed to weight lifters and fitness enthusiasts as a muscle-building supplement.

The original complaint was filed in February 4 in the Gavelston County District Court. In it, Brito stated that he experienced liver failure after taking P-Drol. He also claimed that the supplement contained an ingredient that was known to be taxing to the liver, yet the product was marketed as a dietary supplement.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory on July 28, 2009, warning consumers against taking steroids or steroid precursors marketed as dietary supplements and advised the public that those who took these supplements and showed signs of liver problems should immediately seek medical attention.

According to Brito’s story, he became ill on October 5, 2009 and went straight to the Clear Lake Regional Hospital emergency room. In the suit, Brito claimed that the doctors detected extremely elevated levels of bilirubin in his system and that his liver was swollen and enlarged, both side effects from taking the supplement. After taking P-Drol, Brito said that his weight dropped almost 30 pounds and that he spent several days in the hospital as doctors monitored his bilirubin number. Brito even contemplated a liver transplant. Brito was eventually discharged from the hospital and was instead referred to a liver specialist for continued medical care. He underwent weekly checkups that included CAT scans, blood sampling and MRIs.

Brito also alleged that he continues to suffer from constant itching, debilitating fatigue, weight loss, and nausea. He has also developed a mass behind his pectoral muscle. In filing the suit, Brito seeks damages for mental anguish, pain and suffering, impairment, disfigurement, and medical expenses, and is demanding a trial by jury. Representing the plaintiff is the Gibson Law Firm in Houston. The case will be presided by Galveston County 56th District Judge Lonnie Cox.

TF Supplements has yet to comment regarding the lawsuit. It seems that the product P-Drol has been pulled out of their inventory since it is no longer available in their website as well as in other bodybuilding sites. There are also no online reviews available on the supplement, as well as complete product information on P-Drol on the web. TF Supplements has a large catalog of bodybuilding and fitness products, as well as supplements for enlarging muscle mass. Some of the products that can be viewed and bought from their site include creatine, glutamine and anabolics. They also market and distribute mood enhancer, libido enhancer, post-workout products, pre-workout products, fitness accessories, meal replacements, protein stacks, vitamins, and testosterone boosters. They distribute products from various manufacturers and labels. On their website, there is no information regarding their origin, history or background.

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