Ephedrine products are sold under a variety of brand names. Each ephedra product is intended to assist in weight loss goals or increase energy while exercising or performing strenuous activities such as sports. Many consumers are not aware that an ephedra product is potentially harmful to them, and still others believe they're bodies are strong enough not to succumb to any ill effects of an ephedra product. This in spite of the fact that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of ephedra in April of 2004. Ephedra-containing dietary supplement products have been linked to serious side effects and a number of deaths. The sale of an ephedra product is still banned in the continental United States.