Complain about a product or service

Adrenal Fatigue Institute

c. of highland village, TX September 18, 2009

After seeing the infomercial, I checked out their website. Not much there, and NO Adrenal Fatigue Institute website (first red flag). Googled the Adrenal Fatigue Institute, and up popped adrenalfatigue.org. this website specifically states that Dr. James Wilson is in no way associated with or endorses Cylapril or the Adrenal Fatigue Institute. I called Cylapril to talk about the 30 day free supply I saw on the infomercial, and I was told it was a 20 day supply. Now, their website says the free supply is a 15 day supply (second read flag to me). The infomercial also stated that if you called now you would get the book totally free (no s&h), even if you didn't order the free trial of Cylapril. Jesse at Cylapril said, "No, that's not how it works. The book comes free w/ the free trial." (third red flag)

Then Jesse tried to sell me a 3 month supply at the "today only" price of 101.99 + 9.99 s&h. At cylapril.com, the online price is only 99.96 + 9.95 s&h. (fourth red flag) Even though I told Jesse from the beginning that weight loss was not what I was interested in, he kept talking about the fabulous weight loss I would experience. (fifth red flag). Trying to see if this guy was for real, I asked him who this Dr. James Wilson was. Jesse replied, "Oh, he's the founder of the Adrenal Fatigue Institute and the cylapril product." (sixth and final red flag) I replied, "Interesting... Then why does his website specifically state: 'www.adrenalfatigue.org and Dr. James Wilson are NOT affiliated with "The Adrenal Fatigue Institute" OR the product Cylapril'?"

I could here Jesse's jaw hit the floor. He tried to tell me that he assumed that since I was asking, I must have read it off the cylapril website. He tried to change the subject. I told him I would have to re-evaluate whether or not to purchase cylapril. Now, I did find several websites who sell cylapril without having to go directly through the cylapril people. Amazon is one. vitacost is another. I've used both for other purchases, and was satisfied with both. It seems you can also buy this stuff at Walgreens, so no shipping and no credit card fraud.

Interestingly, the one and only comment on amazon about this product states :"I have tryed this product and will continue to use it. I am over 50 and I feel much better since using Cylapril. This is the product I have been searching for many years now. Thank you !!!" I wonder if this is Jesse's mother. He said she is over 50, and has been using the product about a month now and she feels so much better. ;) I thank God I had the presence of mind to do my research and try to "stump" the salesman. I also thank God I found comments here before I made a purchase.

lori of rochester, NY August 19, 2009

I tried to call the toll free number on the bottle of Cylapril, to ask a question about the amount and source of the bovine adrenal gland substance in their product; and, whether they are certified by a U.S. vitamin & supplement organization re: the source and use of bovine gland. I got a 'this number has been disconnected' on repeated tries.

I am concerned because I took about 10 of the tablets this past winter before recalling the degenerative brain spongiform, or 'mad cow' disease. I did some research online the other nite, and learned that bovine adrenal glands are a medium risk source of the disease if glands are not from U.S source. Their label says product of USA,but given the # of complaints, and the non-working phone #, how can I be sure? I also would like my money back,if possible

Mrs.T of Brooklyn, NY August 3, 2009

I purchased free 14 Day trial with my mastercard and was charged 115.85 . I called immediatly to cancel and was told I could not and had to return the product once its shipped.

Carol of Tilton, IL July 16, 2009

I had ordered a "free trial" of their product. I used it for a couple days and got very sick!!! I only had their product in my possesion 7days, when they billed me for 92.00 and received another month of their product. I have written, phoned, {this was back in may} i have convermation they received the package, but yet no refund!

michael of westerly, RI July 10, 2009

I ordered aspire 36 trial offer.Since then i have been repeatedly charged 38.99 ,although i cancelled during the trial period.I have been told countless times that i would be refunded,of course i haven't been.I have called over 20 times and they keep telling me my account would be credited within 2or 3 buisness days.It has now been two months and no refund.

James of Eugene, OR July 10, 2009

I called this "institute" last night during one of those infomercials, having a good laugh while it rang considering it seemed like a crock to me. Long story short I grilled the guy on the other end of the line and he finally told me what was in it: less than 10 mg of three different minerals (that do nothing, by the way), Adrenal Bovine (dried and powdered bull's adrenal cortex, could cause some health issue later in life I do believe....), and passion flower extract (causes a short lived and mild euphoric feeling). All in all it is a placebo that should be avoided AT ALL COSTS due to the fact that it will only make you feel good for a short amount of time, and could cause problems worse than what you currently are having.

Corey of Rouseville, PA June 19, 2009

I was looking online at a trial period of the cylapril for a friend. We tried to order just the trial and the website automatically ordered a 90 day supply and charged my bank card for both the trial and the 90 day supply + shipping within seconds. I contacted them immediately after this happened to see if they could correct the situation. I was told that no, i had to wait until the product was received at my home and then send it back and wait again for a refund.

I shipped the product back, only the 90 day supply showed up even though i was charged for the trial as well, and it was received on the 21st of May. I called and verified that they had received it. I was then told that it would be 3-5 days for my refund. Well, that came and went and no refund. I called again and was told that they, by law, have 30 days to issue me a refund. I was told to call back on the 19th of June as the 21st is on a Sunday and they're not open.

I called today, the 19th of June, and was told that it could still be another 7-10 business days until I get my refund and to call on July 1st if I haven't received it by then.

Barb of Orlando, FL June 16, 2009

I can't speak to the product; it didn't work for me. My issue is that you are not made aware up front that if you do not cancel within the first 14 days, you will be charged the full price - the "free trial" is very misleading. When I was charged the full price, I called to see when I would receive the product, i.e., my next bottle. That's when I was told that the charge was for the "free trial".

I guess I am one of the lucky ones - I was able to get through and canceled immediately. 11.80 + 54.95 for a "free trial" - not free in my book!

Sharon of Middlebury, IN June 8, 2009

The product itself, Cylapril, may have some healthy benefit, but after reading the label, its obvious its nothing more than vitamins and a "proprietary blend" they won't disclose. No difference in me after 2 weeks.

More troublesome, and infuriating enough to undo any benefit the product may provide, is the near fraudulent business practices of "The Adrenal Fatigue Institute." I ordered the "two week free" supply, for shipping cost of 11.00 or so. Terms were 1. use it for 2 weeks, then see how it makes you feel. 2. you have 30 days from date of order to cancel any ongoing shipments. 3. Payment by Debit card only.

I received the pills about 7 days after my debit card was charged. I was able to use them for one week. Then the following week, I was charged an additional 60.00, but received no more product.

I called to cancel, and got a big run-around. You'll eventually get to them, but you'll have to wait 40 min. to get through. The line is only open 10-5pm, EDT, on M-F. (As opposed to the sales line which is open 24/7). Most disconcerting is the fact that the additional 60.00 wouldn't go through via debit card, so they "forced" it through as a POS Check. Bank has refunded my money, and I"ve filed a consumer fraud complaint with the Attorney General's office in my state. I also cancelled my Debit card so this won't happen again.

Virginia of Arlington, TX June 4, 2009

I opted for the free trial and then several days later the took out for another shipment. I asked the to cancel my membership and have NOT received the product OR money back.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.