Complaint Review: Vitacost

Filed on 2 September 21 2012  Filed against: Vitacost.com, Inc.

Complaint Description:
My wife and I have been consuming Flush-Free Niacin (purchased from Vitacost.com, Inc.) for more than ?ve years. Niacin reduces our cholesterol & triglyceride levels. Two weeks ago, 09-10-12, my wife turned bright red, developed a prominent blotchy bright rash rashes (all over her body), felt her skin was on fire, became so light-headed could not stand, and was profoundly nauseated.t

She was terrified and  as she began to panic I called 911. An ambulance took her to our local ER. After tests were run and the symptoms began to fade, the doctors, with an understanding of the vitamins we take diagnosed her with Niacin Toxicity. This came as a shock. We had NEVER "flushed" from Niacin before - we had always taken Vitacost's "NON-FLUSHING" brand. I continued taking the Niacin, with my other vitamins, to try and understand what had happened.

Yesterday morning, Thursday 20th, approximately a half-hour after taking my morning homeopathic supplements, I began to burn like on fire, my skin turned bright red - the EXACT symptoms of Niacin Toxicity, associated with REGULAR Niacin.

The Niacin was all coming from the same 300 count bottle we use, and I was immediately suspect. Today, I took my supplements with REDUCED Niacin, half the amount. Within a half-hour I turned red, skin rash over body, FLUSHING from VITACOST's Niacin "NON_FLUSHING" formula.

I called Vitacost today and explained the situation to escalations. The wrong medication in an otherwise marked bottle, was a deep concern the agent agreed.  She stated they would need a sample from my container and would check the lot. I also pointed out my understandable interest in being reimbursed for ambulance and ER costs. The agent agreed. They accidentally put the wrong stuff in the wrong bottle, not unlike the EXCEDRIN situation. There should be an investigation, and I have the bottle labeled INCORRECTLY.

About two hours later a "corporate representative" called. In matter-of-fact-terms she oofered to reimburse me for the bottle in my possession. Flabbergasted...I asked were she not concerned about a mislabeled product.  She stated her offer was the only compensation Vitacost would address.

(1) I am livid a company that distributes vitamins and health supplements seemed UNCONCERNED   about my experience. Virtually shrugged-off my interest in payment for an otherwise unnecessary ambulance ride and three hours in ER.

(2) WARNING: Be very careful about what might, or might not, be sent to you by VITACOST.com. This is product we ingest. Under the wrong set of circumstances...someone might've fallen and died from consuming the REGULAR Niacin in the NON-FLUSHING container.

I am pursuing this through the media to reach as many as possible about dangers at VITACOST. Any and all interested in a "joint/class-action suit" against Vitacost make clear your interest.  I would be glad to contact you.