An urgent recall has been issued for a joint pain supplement because of undisclosed drugs that could trigger heart attacks.
GNMart Inc, based out of Dover Plains, New York, has recalled all of its Force Forever product as it contains two potentially harmful substances not listed on the label.
The FDA found Force Forever contains diclofenac, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild-to-moderate pain.
Health experts warn this hidden drug ingredient could increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, as well as serious gastrointestinal damage, including ‘fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines’.
They add: ‘It may also interact with other medications and significantly increase the risk of adverse events, particularly when consumers use multiple NSAID-containing products.’
The other hidden ingredient identified by the FDA is dexamethasone, a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions.
The government agency warns that corticosteroid use can impair a person’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar levels, muscle injuries and psychiatric problems.
The company told DailyMail.com that 21,000 of the compromised pain relieving tablets were distributed for sale.
An urgent recall has been issued for a joint pain supplement because of undisclosed drugs that could trigger heart attacks among other health issues
When corticosteroids are taken for a prolonged period, or at high doses, they can also suppress the adrenal gland.
The side effects of adrenal suppression include weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, and headaches.
Consumers are warned that abrupt discontinuation can trigger similar symptoms while the body readjusts.
In addition, the undeclared dexamethasone in Force Forever ‘may cause serious side effects when combined with other medications’.
In light of the findings, the FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use Force Forever.
The product is packaged in red-capped bottles, with 60 tablets per container.
The affected product includes all lots and marked with the following expiration date: 03/27/2030.
The product was distributed nationwide online via gnmart.com and possibly in some retail stores.
GNMart – which sells a range of products including supplements, vitamins and diet aids – is notifying its customers by email and is arranging for return of all recalled products.
The FDA is advising consumers not to purchase or use Force Forever
Consumers that have product which is being recalled should stop using and return to place of purchase.
The FDA says anyone who has experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product should contact a healthcare provider.
A spokesperson for GNMart told this website: ‘We are a very small business.
‘We were not aware of the compromised product as we are a retailer.
‘We stopped selling this product four months ago, and before that we only sold around 350 bottles to 130 customers.’
GNMart has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk