The FDA and drug manufacturer, C&A Naturistics, announced a recall this week for all lots of AK Forte tablets. The tablets are marketed for use as a treatment for joint pain and arthritis, but laboratory testing found that the supplement contains undeclared drugs. Consumers who ingest the supplements will unknowingly consume Dexamethasone, Diclofenac, and Methocarbamol, which may result in unintended health consequences.
As of the date this notice was written, the manufacturer, C&A Naturistics has not reported any known adverse events related to this recall.
SUMMARY
Date of Recall:
Announced: October 8, 2024
Public Notification: October 16, 2024
Name(s) of Drug:
AK Forte
Company Name:
C&A Naturistics
Drug Indication:
Joint pain and Arthritis
Product Description
AK Forte supplements were distributed nationwide via eBay and Etsy. The tablet packaging was cardboard and was embellished with the white, blue, red, and gold AK logo, including a gold crown. Each package contained 100 tablets. Each tablet was 400mg each.
Reason for Recall
AK Forte contains drugs and, therefore, requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. The supplement is not approved by the FDA, and thus, its efficacy and safety is unknown. Additionally, the undeclared drugs within the supplement may have serious impacts on consumers who are unknowingly ingesting them.
Impacts
Consumers who ingest the supplement are inadvertently consuming dexamethasone, Diclofenac, and Methocarbamol. While safe when used with supervision, these drugs should never be taken without the guidance of a physician.
Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that may cause serious side effects, including:
- Abnormal fat deposits on the face and neck
- Aggression
- Pounding in the ears
- Mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and mania
- Weight gain
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Facial hair growth in females
- Loss of sexual desires or abilities
- Inability to sleep
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Thinning hair
- Blurred vision
Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Its possible side effects include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
- Tearing of stomach or intestines
- Death
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that can cause side effects such as:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
Recall Product Information
All lots of AK Forte are included in the recall. Therefore, consumers who have ingested AK Forte tablets should immediately stop using the product and read below for further instructions on seeking medical attention and properly disposing of the tainted supplements.
Have you found that you are in possession of the supplement named in the recall?
Here’s what you should do:
Consumers
- Stop using the supplement right away.
- Notify your doctor that you have used the medication.
- Monitor your health for any adverse symptoms and seek medical attention if you have concerns.
- If you are experiencing or have experienced an adverse reaction to this medication (listed above), notify your physician immediately and notify the FDA by calling 1-800-332-1088 or completing an online reporting form.
- Contact C&A Naturistics with questions at (619) 498-9811. They are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. They are also available via email at naturisticsca@gmail.com.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
Retailer
- Examine all inventory and remove stock included in the recall.
- Notify affected consumers of recalled batches that they have already or will receive.
- Contact C&A Naturistics with questions at (619) 498-9811. They are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. They are also available via email at naturisticsca@gmail.com.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
Wholesaler
- Examine all inventory and consider removing stock included in the warning.
- Notify affected retailers of recalled batches that they have already or will receive.
- Contact C&A Naturistics with questions at (619) 498-9811. They are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST. They are also available via email at naturisticsca@gmail.com.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
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Tammy McKinney, RN, founder of HelpfulHospiceNurse, is a healthcare writer and seasoned registered nurse. With experience in acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, drug & alcohol, and hospice & palliative care, she combines her medical understanding with her love for writing to educate and inform the public on various health-related topics. You can view a snippet of her portfolio here or contact her directly on LinkedIn!
