PITTSBURGH - A Butler man is suing the makers of Nugenix alleging that the supplement has caused him liver problems, as well as other damages.
John Hetzel and his wife Mary Hetzel filed a lawsuit against Adaptive Health LLC, Direct Digital LLC and Xtreme Sports Nutrition at the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County on March 19, on counts of negligence, and strict liability.
As stated in the complaint, "on Jun. 28, 2017, John Hetzel purchased a 90-count bottle of Nugenix," which is a "free testosterone booster," that allegedly helps "to feel stronger, increase six drive, and boost free testosterone."
After receiving the supplements, Hetzel then started taking three capsules of Nugenix on an empty stomach.
"After taking the same dosage of Nugenix for approximately seven days, John Hetzel developed jaundice (yellowing) of his skin, sclera icterus (yellowing of the eyes), fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, headaches and sought medical treatment. On July 26, 2017, Hetzel was diagnosed with an acute liver injury caused by the use of Nugenix. As a result of the damage to his liver from Nugenix, John Hetzel was required to undergo a liver transplant and removal of his gallbladder," the complaint said.
In addition to the liver problems, per the complaint, Hetzel also suffered from "generalized trauma," "fever, fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia," "hiatal hernia, as a result of an abdominal surgery," and "nervousness," among other issues.
Also mentioned in the complaint, Hetzel "relied on the misrepresentations in using Nugenix and, as a result, plaintiffs suffered the injuries and damages set forth."
Hetzel is seeking damages in excess of what the judge determines, plus interest, costs, and a jury trial.
John and Mary Hetzel are being represented in the case by attorney Joshua P. Geist of Goodrich & Geist PC of Pittsburgh.