(RxWiki News) There are countless dietary supplements marketed as natural remedies for pain relief. In some instances, these supplements turn out to be neither natural nor safe, which seems to be the case for Reumofan Plus.
The FDA has warned consumers that Reumofan Plus, a so-called "natural" supplement for relieving pain, contains ingredients used in prescription drugs. As such, the dietary supplement may dangerous.
"See your doctor immediately if you have taken Reumofan Plus."
The FDA noted in a press release that Riger Naturals, the maker of Reumofan Plus, failed to list several active pharmaceutical ingredients on the label of their dietary supplement.
These ingredients include:
- Diclofenac sodium - a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach and intestinal problems like bleeding, ulcers, and fatal perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestines)
- Methocarbamol - a muscle relaxant that may lead to sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure, and can reduce physical and mental abilities
Both of these ingredients are regulated by the FDA and found only in prescription drugs.
When taken with other medications, they can cause some seriously harmful side effects.
Reumofan Plus is manufactured in Mexico and marketed as a supplement for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis (bone loss), bone cancer, and other health problems.
The Mexican Ministry of Health recently released a public health warning and ordered Riger Naturals to recall Reumofan Plus.
In addition to the ingredients listed above, some consumer reports sent to the FDA suggest that Reumofan Plus may contain corticosteroids, another type of prescription drug that can be harmful.
It is crucial that any patient who is taking or has recently stopped taking Reumofan Plus see a doctor immediately. Suddenly stopping corticosteroids can lead to fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, dizziness, and fainting.
The FDA urges doctors and other health care professionals to ask their patients about Reumofan Plus use.
Doctors should check if their patients who have taken Reumofan Plus have also taken diclofenac, methocarbamol, and corticosteroids.
