FDA Investigating 5 Deaths Linked to Monster Energy Drink

The FDA has received reports of five people who died after consuming Monster Energy — a high-caffeine energy drink — in the past 3 years, the New York Times reports.

Other adverse events reported to the agency include one nonfatal MI, abdominal pain, vomiting, tremors, and abnormal heart rate. It is unclear whether patients who experienced adverse events also took alcohol or drugs.

In a statement, an FDA spokesperson said that it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to investigate adverse events associated with the beverage, according to the Times. She added that the FDA had not yet established a causal link between the energy drink and the deaths.

A 24-oz. can of Monster Energy contains 240 mg of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two cups of brewed coffee.

LINK(S):

New York Times story (Free)

Background: Physician’s First Watch coverage of AAP statement on sports and energy drinks (Free)

Published in Physician’s First Watch October 24, 2012