Lifestyle
FDA Issues Recall on Arthritis Supplements Due to Potential Serious Side Effects
For those managing arthritis or joint pain with dietary supplements, a recent announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) serves as a crucial reminder to be vigilant about product safety. C&A Naturistics has initiated a voluntary recall of all lots of its AK Forte dietary supplements due to potential health risks.
The FDA’s notice, dated October 16, highlights that these 400-mg tablets, sold online via platforms like Etsy and eBay, were found to contain substances such as diclofenac, dexamethasone, and methocarbamol. These ingredients disqualify the product from being marketed as a dietary supplement.
Diclofenac, one of the identified substances, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to aspirin and ibuprofen. While effective for pain relief, it poses significant risks, including “serious cardiovascular events and gastrointestinal damage such as ‘bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines,'” according to the FDA. Additionally, it can interact adversely with other NSAIDs.
Dexamethasone, another component, is a corticosteroid used for inflammatory conditions. The FDA warns that it “can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries, and psychiatric problems.” Long-term use can disrupt adrenal gland function, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued.
The third ingredient, methocarbamol, is a muscle relaxant known to “impair mental and physical abilities” required for tasks such as driving.
Marketed as a remedy for joint pain and arthritis, AK Forte also lists “Ortiga” and “Omega 3” among its ingredients. The FDA has previously cautioned against Ortiga, labeling it an “unapproved product promoted for a variety of health conditions” and typically manufactured in Mexico.
Although there have been no reported adverse events linked to AK Forte, the FDA emphasizes that “AK Forte tablets is an unapproved new drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall.”
If you’ve been using these supplements, the FDA advises consulting your healthcare provider immediately to safely discontinue use. “The risks of withdrawal from corticosteroids should be assessed by a healthcare professional,” the notice states. Only licensed professionals can properly evaluate and manage potential adrenal suppression.
C&A Naturistics is actively informing distributors and customers about the recall and coordinating returns and replacements. Consumers are encouraged to return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it. The supplements can be identified by their distinctive multicolored packaging, featuring the AK logo in gold with a crown.
For further inquiries regarding the recall, consumers can reach out to C&A Naturistics using the contact details provided in the FDA notice.
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