Alabama Woman Alleges Ephedra and Caffeine in Metabolife Caused Stroke

BESSEMER, Ala. - A 19-year-old woman from Jefferson County, Ala. has filed suit against the makers of Metabolife after she suffered a stroke while taking the dietary supplement, alleging the product was defective and that its manufacturers were fraudulent in marketing the drug. McMickens v. Metabolife International, Inc., et al., No. CV-01-6687 (Ala. Cir. Ct., Jefferson Cty.).

Plaintiff Linda McMickens' Oct. 29 complaint, which was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on Nov. 1 (No. CV-01-C-3016-S), alleges counts of product liability, breach of implied warranty, negligence, wantonness and fraudulent misrepresentation.

According to the complaint, …