On October 8, 2024, C&A Naturistics voluntarily recalled all lots of AK Forte, 400 mg tablets because FDA laboratory analysis found products to contain undeclared diclofenac, dexamethasone, and methocarbamol.

(See ConsumerLab’s Review of Joint Health Supplements and article about supplements promoted to help with arthritis for more information and tests of related supplements.)

Dexamethasone is a prescription corticosteroid drug that has the potential to cause severe and serious adverse events including adrenal suppression, a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, and other adverse events, which can lead to death. Sudden discontinuation of dexamethasone can also cause potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Diclofenac is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, as well as bleeding, ulceration, and fatal tears of the stomach and intestines, or liver toxicity. Diclofenac may also interact with other medications and significantly increase the risk of adverse events. Methocarbamol is a prescription muscle relaxant that can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause dizziness, low blood pressure and sedation.

Recalled AK Forte were promoted for joint pain and arthritis. It is packaged in a cardboard box type of packaging, with white, blue, red and gold logo of AK with a gold crown on top with 100 tablets per units (see product photos). All affected lots were distributed nationwide through C&A Naturistics/AK Forte’s Ebay and Etsy stores.

The FDA warned consumers not to consume various Ortiga supplements in 2022 after discovering drugs in these products.

C&A Naturistics is notifying distributors and customers and is arranging for the return or replacement of all recalled products. Consumers and healthcare providers can report any adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Program.

For more information, use the link below.

C&A Naturistics Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of AK Forte Tablets con Ortiga y Omega 3 Due to the Presence of Undeclared Drug Ingredients: Diclofenac, Dexamethasone, and Methocarbamol

See related recalls and warnings:

Prescription Drugs Found in Arthritis, Muscle Pain, and Osteoporosis Supplements

FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Ossos-Sans Supplement for Joints

Joint Pain Supplements Recalled Due to Undeclared Drug Ingredients

Drug Found in Umary Supplement

Pain Relief Tea Recalled, Found to Contain Prescription Drugs