Published: 16 September 2020
Safety Information
Alert Communication
Medsafe is issuing a warning that Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) should not be consumed – statement under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981
15 September 2020
Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3), presented as a powder in a 133g tub, should not be consumed. It has been tested by Medsafe and found to contain phenethylamine, which is a class C controlled drug.
This warning statement has been issued as a privileged statement by the Director-General of Health under section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981.
Advice for consumers
Information for healthcare professionals
Products affected
Further information
Useful links
Advice for consumers
- Do not consume Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3).
- If you have consumed this product and feel unwell, seek medical advice. Tell your healthcare professional that you have consumed a product containing phenethylamine.
- If you have purchased this product, return it to the point of sale or safely dispose of it.
Information for healthcare professionals
- Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) has been promoted in New Zealand through social media, where consumers are directed to an international website for more information.
- The product is sold and distributed for weight loss / weight management and claims to improve mood. It is labelled a dietary supplement.
- The tub of Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) that was tested was found to contain phenethylamine at approximately 20mg/g.
- The product label declares the presence of PEA (Beta phenylethylamine HCl).
- Phenethylamine is a Class C controlled drug. It has amphetamine-like characteristics and may have similar adverse reactions such as: agitation and psychological effects, cardiovascular effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and neurological effects.
- If a patient presents with adverse reactions that may possibly be attributable to phenethylamine, then use of the above product should be considered.
Products affected
Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) (powder in a tub).
The product claims to assist with weight loss / weight management and to improve mood.
Further information
We have published this warning to alert consumers of the dangers of this product.
Phenethylamine (also known as phenylethylamine, PEA, Beta-phenethylamine, or B-phenethylamine) is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Phenethylamine has mood and weight loss related therapeutic effects.
Medsafe is aware that other individuals or businesses may have imported this product into New Zealand for personal use or for resale. Similar products marketed on international websites may also contain phenethylamine or other ingredients of concern which may, or may not, be listed on their labelling.
We recommend that consumers exercise caution when considering purchasing any products from international websites or through New Zealand-based social media promotions. The products may be marketed as supplements or coffee products promoted as assisting weight management, appetite suppression, or mood enhancement. Product ingredient lists should be carefully reviewed and discussed with a health professional.
On 11 October 2019, we issued a safety warning that the product Valentus SlimROAST Optimum Dark Roast Coffee (a similar product to Elevacity Elevate Smart Coffee (Version 3) ) should not be consumed.
Useful links
