READ THIS NEXT: I’m a Pharmacist, and These Are the Supplements I Won’t Take. The FDA does not authorize the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed to consumers. In fact, the agency has warned that companies can legally start selling most supplements without even notifying them. Once these supplements are on the market, however, the FDA is responsible for enforcing regulations to ensure consumer safety, which it does through things like inspections and marketplace monitoring. This delayed inspection does make it possible for unsafe products to make it into the hands of consumers. “Dietary supplements can be beneficial to your health, but they can also involve health risks,” the FDA warns. Now, the agency is reaching out to the public and retailers alike to warn about specific supplements that could put you at risk. RELATED: For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter. Supplements with variations of the names “Artri” or “Ortiga” are generally promoted as treatments for arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, and bone cancer, according to the FDA. But the agency warns that products marketed under these two brand names could potentially contain “dangerous hidden active drug ingredients” that are not listed on the product label. Laboratory analysis revealed that certain Artri and Ortiga products contained the following undeclared drug ingredients: dexamethasone, diclofenac sodium, and methocarbamol. These ingredients can cause serious adverse events, such as infections, heart attack, stroke, sedation, and changes in blood pressure. The FDA said it has received multiple adverse event reports as a result of undeclared drug ingredients in these supplement. This has included reports of liver toxicity and death associated with the use of Artri King products. Consumers are being warned not to purchase or use products marketed under any variation of the name Artri or Ortiga due to these problems. “FDA urges consumers taking these products to immediately talk to their health care professional (e.g., doctor) to safely discontinue use of the product because suddenly stopping these drugs may be dangerous,” the agency adds. Another smaller retailer, Latin Foods Market, was also sent a warning letter for its distribution of these brands’ unapproved and misbranded drug products. But according to the FDA, two of the retailers have already issued voluntary recalls for these supplements. Walmart voluntarily recalled all lots of Artri Ajo King Joint Supplements sold by Innovacion Naturals and PDX Supply Warehouse LLC on its website in late May. And Latin Foods Market voluntarily recalled one lot of Artri King Reforzado con Ortiga y Omega 3 tablets in June. “Products marketed as dietary supplements that are found to have hidden drug ingredients generally fail to comply with most current good manufacturing practices designed to ensure product quality and safety,” the FDA said. “Therefore, consumers should expect the manufacturing processes for Artri and Ortiga products are unreliable in providing consistent amounts of active ingredients or to prevent the introduction of unknown chemicals or other impurities.” Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you’re taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.
