The California company C&A Naturistics is recalling its AK Forte supplement in response to a recent analysis that found undisclosed drugs in the product. According to the FDA, the company announced the recall last Thursday.
The recalled product was sold online via Ebay and Etsy as AK Forte con Ortiga y Omega 3. Marketed as a supplement to help with joint pain and arthritic inflammation, AK Forte is sold in a blue, red, gold, and white box. Each box contains 100 tablets, and each tablet includes 400 mg of supplement. The recall pertains to all lots of the product.
C&A Naturistics recalled the product after the FDA determined it contains the drugs diclofenac, dexamethasone, and methocarbamol, all of which require a prescription in the United States. The packaging for AK Forte does not list these substances as ingredients in the supplement, and C&A Naturistics has referred to them as contaminants.
According to the Mayo Clinic, diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available by prescription to treat pain. Doctors typically prescribe the medication for the treatment of arthritis, migraines, and ankylosing spondylitis. Several side effects are possible while using diclofenac, such as intestinal bleeding, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, serious skin reactions, hyperkalemia, and delayed ovulation. Use of the medication is not recommended during pregnancy, and patients with an allergy to NSAID medications should not take diclofenac.
Dexamethasone is a steroid medication, also available by prescription, used to treat inflammation and allergies. Doctors might prescribe this medication for the treatment of multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis, severe allergies, or kidney problems. Dexamethasone is absolutely contraindicated for pregnancy and can cause an increased risk of sickness, infection, and cancer. Additional risks include myopathy, osteoporosis in children, and changes in mood.
The third drug, methocarbamol, is “a muscle relaxant that can cause sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure.” Like the other two drugs found in AK Forte, doctors typically review a patient’s medical history before prescribing the drug to ensure there are no contraindications and to determine the correct dosage.
C&A Naturistics advises all consumers to meet with a health care professional to discuss safe discontinuation of the product, as stopping suddenly could cause adverse effects. After discontinuing the product safely, customers can return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
Customers or health care professionals can direct any questions about the recall to C&A Naturistics at 619-498-9811 or naturisticsca@gmail.com. The company’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PST.
Patients and health care providers can report any new adverse health events related to C&A Naturistics’ AK Forte through the FDA’s MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.
If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse health outcome caused by a contaminated nutritional supplement, we urge you to get in touch with our team. It’s vital that the liable parties be held accountable for their negligence to prevent further injury to patients receiving infusion treatments. Our experienced attorneys at TruLaw are prepared to learn about your story and help you build a case for just compensation. Contact us today or try out our free Instant Case Evaluation ℠ to get started.