South Carolina Lawyer Blog
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has continued receiving reports of injuries from the supplement Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium since it issued a warning about the product in June. The FDA said it has heard reports of serious internal bleeding, stroke, insomnia, dizziness, problems with blood sugar levels, harm to the liver and kidneys, and even some deaths among users of the so-called “natural” supplement.
The supplement is sold as a remedy for arthritis, muscle pain, bone cancer and osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone to weaken. According to the FDA, the supplement contains substances not shown on the product labels that should be used only under in a doctor’s care.
Experts warn that some of the substances in the flagged Reumofan can also cause serious problems if a user suddenly stops taking the product. In fact, the FDA says that some consumers may experience “withdrawal syndrome” — a potentially life-threatening illness that can strike people who suddenly stop taking some drugs and medicines. For this reason, the FDA recommends that users of Reumofan Plus or Reumofan Plus Premium seek medical care as soon as possible, especially before they stop taking the pills.
The updated recall warning about Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium says the pills are made in Mexico for a company called Riger Naturals. They were sold widely on the Internet, some stores and even flea markets. After the updated recall notice, some companies issued recalls or warnings about their Reumofan Plus products.
Consumers Should Be Cautious about Supplements
Some experts have warned of a growing problem with so-called “natural” supplements and health products, which often don’t have to undergo testing or safety trials before being marketed to the public. To help consumers make better choices before buying or taking natural supplements, the FDA recommends that people look for a few potential warning signs.
Daniel Fabricant, director of FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, says that people should think twice before buying “natural” supplements that seem to act similarly to prescription drugs. He also says that people should be careful when purchasing drugs with label information in a foreign language. Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium, for example, are labeled in Spanish. However, the FDA warns, versions of the drugs with labels in English may also exist.
Experts working for the FDA say that it is especially important for people to be aware of the potential dangers that many “natural” supplements may pose to avoid harming themselves or loved ones.