Chances are, if you're like millions of Americans, you take a multivitamin or supplement to support your overall health. Maybe you've been told to up your intake of vitamin D or magnesium, or perhaps you've picked up something to help with those nagging joint aches. But if you've been using a supplement specifically for arthritis or joint pain, there's a recall notice you need to know about. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just issued a warning about C&A Naturistics' AK Forte supplements. According to the FDA's Oct. 16 announcement, C&A Naturistics is voluntarily recalling all lots of its AK Forte dietary supplements due to "tainted" ingredients. These 400-mg tablets, which were sold nationwide via platforms like Etsy and eBay, have been found to contain diclofenac, dexamethasone, and methocarbamol-none of which are approved for use in dietary supplements. If you've been using this product to manage your arthritis, it's time to proceed with caution. First off, let's talk about diclofenac. You might recognize it as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain relief, similar to ibuprofen or aspirin. Sounds harmless enough, right? Well, not exactly. Diclofenac comes with some pretty serious risks, including the potential for cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal issues like ulcers or even fatal stomach perforation. To make matters worse, it can interact with other medications you might be taking, especially if you're using other NSAIDs.

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 https://t.co/eIb7D3fUSK

- ANTIDOPINGS / SLOVAK ANTI-DOPING ACADEMY (@ANTIDOPINGS_EU) October 18, 2024

Then there's dexamethasone, a corticosteroid often used to treat inflammation. Here's the problem: it can mess with your body's ability to fight infections and spike your blood sugar. If you've got underlying health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, this is a major red flag. Worse still, if you've been taking this steroid for a long time, stopping it abruptly could send your adrenal system into a tailspin. According to the FDA, only a licensed healthcare professional can help you manage this properly. And let's not forget methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant. If you've noticed any drowsiness or slowed reactions, that's probably why. The FDA warns that methocarbamol can impair your physical and mental abilities-think driving or operating heavy machinery. The AK Forte supplement is marketed as a fix for joint pain and arthritis, but clearly, there's a lot more going on here than what's advertised. The product also lists "Ortiga" and "Omega 3," but Ortiga is another unapproved ingredient the FDA has warned against in the past, often seen in supplements imported from Mexico. So, what should you do if you've been taking AK Forte? First off, consult your doctor immediately to figure out a safe way to stop. Stopping suddenly, especially if corticosteroids are involved, could lead to some serious withdrawal symptoms. The FDA emphasizes that only healthcare professionals can properly evaluate the risks. C&A Naturistics is in the process of notifying customers and distributors about the recall, and they'll be arranging for returns or replacements. If you have these supplements at home, the FDA advises that you either return them to where you bought them or throw them away. Keep an eye out for the multicolored packaging with the AK logo and crown-you can't miss it. Got questions? The FDA notice provides contact info for C&A Naturistics, so you can reach out to them directly for more details on the recall. The bottom line is don't take chances with your health. If you've been using AK Forte, it's time to take action.