Pain relievers recalled for containing undeclared components including steroids

• A new recall has been issued in the US for pain relievers containing undeclared components.
• The recall is for Artri King brand pain relievers.
• Walmart has already recalled Artri King products and now Latin Foods Market is doing the same with a new recall of its own.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health warning in April about some Artri King brand pills for joint pain and arthritis. Now, after more extensive testing, the FDA found that Artri King products contain undeclared drug components.

FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Artri King contains diclofenac and dexamethasone, two pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on the product’s label. Walmart recalled the affected products that could contain undeclared diclofenac among its ingredients and now Latin Foods Market has joined that recall after the FDA discovered that a particular pain reliever from the brand could contain both diclofenac and dexamethasone, BGR reported.

What products are included in the recall?

The pain reliever included in the recall is Artri King Reinforced with Nettle and Omega 3, which was sold on websites and in retail stores throughout the country. The pain relievers come in jars of 100 units (UPC 7 501031 111138) and contain diclofenac and dexamethasone although those components were not listed among the ingredients.

Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions. The FDA noted that the «use of corticosteroids can affect a person’s ability to fight infection and can cause high blood sugar, muscle injury, and psychiatric problems.» Also, the undeclared dexamethasone in Artri King can cause serious side effects when combined with other medications.

Serious side effects

“Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (commonly referred to as NSAIDs). NSAIDs may cause increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines,» the FDA said in the statement.

Although both components are safe when administered under medical supervision, their combination in the Artri King product makes it an unapproved drug and consumers were taking it without knowing that the product contained potentially harmful ingredients. The press release stated that consuming the undeclared diclofenac could cause serious adverse effects, especially if combined with other medications.

Where was the Artri King product sold?

The FDA indicated that the pain reliever Artri King, a product promoted for joint pain and arthritis, was sold on various websites, including Amazon, Latin Foods Market, Walmart and possibly in some retail stores. To read the recall press release click HERE.

«Consumers taking Artri King should immediately consult with their health care professional to safely discontinue use of this product. The risks of withdrawal from corticosteroids should be assessed by a health care professional. Only licensed health care professionals can evaluate patients for the risk, or confirm the existence, of adrenal suppression.”