NATIONAL CITY, CA – C&A Naturistics has recalled all lots of its AK Forte, 400mg tablets after an analysis performed by the FDA revealed that the product contains Diclofenac, Dexamethasone, and Methocarbamol.
The presence of these ingredients in the product necessitates that it be taken off the market as a dietary supplement, as it is now considered a new drug, and its “safety and efficacy” remains to be determined.
The voluntary, consumer-level recall of the tablets was announced by C&A Naturistics on October 8, 2024, and on the FDA site on October 16, 2024.
An official risk statement released by the company describes the above ingredients as follows:
Dexamethasone: a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of “inflammatory conditions.” In certain instances, corticosteroids may make a user more vulnerable to infections, cause spikes in blood sugar levels, injure muscles, and lead to “psychiatric problems.” Long-term use or high doses of corticosteroids “can suppress the adrenal gland,” and suddenly discontinuing use may cause a user to experience withdrawals. Users who are taking other medications and who inadvertently consume the undeclared dexamethasone in the drug may also suffer major side effects.
As a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), use of Diclofenac may put users at risk for cardiovascular conditions “such as heart attack and stroke” and lead to “gastrointestinal damage,” which may cause “bleeding, ulceration, and fatal perforation of the stomach and intestines.” When mixed with other medications, especially with multiple other products containing NSAIDs, undeclared Diclofenac can also cause users to experience adverse medical outcomes.
A muscle relaxant indicated to sedate a user, consuming undeclared Methocarbamol can make them dizzy, or lower their blood pressure. It could also inadvertently impair a user’s “mental and physical abilities,” putting them at risk for adverse events while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.
The recalled AK Forte comes in a card box-style package prominently displaying AK’s white, blue, red and gold logo, featuring a crown over the initials. Distributed across the U.S. and sold online via Ebay and Etsy, the product comes with 100 tablets per unit and was marketed as a dietary supplement to manage joint pain and arthritis.
Since the recall announcement, all distributors and customers of C&A Naturistics have been alerted, and a return and replacement program has been established.
The company advises all consumers taking AK Forte to contact a licensed healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine how to “safely discontinue use of this product.”
If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse outcome after consuming undeclared Diclofenac, Dexamethasone, and/or Methocarbamol in a medical drug, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Oliver Law Office by calling 614-220-9100 or by visiting our contact page to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We are personally motivated in helping your family secure the compensation you need to make the best possible recovery and move forward. Our experienced team of medical drug lawyers is ready to learn about your case.
