Woman Files Writ of Summons Against Supplement Maker for Ephedra-Related Injury

PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania woman who claims her use of Trimspa, a dietary supplement containing ephedra, caused her to suffer an ischemic stroke filed a writ of summons against the manufacturer and its owner. Ellen Matthews and Michael Matthews v. Nutramerica Corp., et al., No. 001437 (Pa. Ct. Comm. Pleas, Phila. Cty.).

According to plaintiffs' attorney Anthony Pinnie of the Law Offices of Kenneth P. Schuster in Media, Pa., Ellen Matthews had been using the supplement for 'several months' before she sustained the injury.

An ischemic stroke is caused when blood vessels in the brain spasm or become blocked and …