FDA: "Feng Shi Ling" Contains Undeclared Drug Ingredients

Product promoted as herbal medication for arthritic pain contains undeclared NSAIDs

/ Author:  / Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD Beth Bolt, RPh

The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use “Feng Shi Ling,” a product promoted and sold as an herbal medication for arthritic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

The product “Feng Shi Ling” includes labels in English and Chinese and is sold on various websites and may be sold in some retail stores. The product is manufactured by Hong Kong Chi Chun Tang Herbal Factory.

FDA laboratory analysis found that “Feng Shi Ling” contains the undeclared active ingredients diclofenac and indomethacin. These ingredients are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (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.

These hidden drug ingredients may interact with other medications and significantly increase the risk of adverse events, particularly when consumers already may be using NSAID-containing products.

Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away. Consumers should consult a health care professional as soon as possible if they have experienced any negative side effects, such as unusually dark stools or urine, stomach pain, increased bruising, and other signs of bleeding.

FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report any adverse events or side effects associated with the use of this product to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

  • Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form
  • Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178

Review Date: 
November 24, 2014