The Dangers of Dietary Supplements – Part Two

While dietary supplements are allowed to contain ingredients that supplement the diet — such as vitamins, minerals and herbs — they are not permitted to contain prescription or illegal drugs. Consumers ‘Flying Blind’ When Purchasing Dietary Supplements, Expert Says

Unfortunatelly, some supplements contain powerful and potentially dangerous – and illegal – drugs. USA Today has been covering the hidden dangers of the dietary supplements industry in its Supplement Shell Game investigative series. Tips for consumers using Reumofan dietary supplements

The latest piece in the series examines the mysteries and dangers behind Reumofan, marketed as a natural dietary supplement for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and other conditions.

According the USA Today report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple warnings that Reumofan dietary supplements may secretly contain three prescription medications that can cause dangerous side effects.

But U.S. consumers — desperate to curb arthritis and joint pain — continue purchasing this dietary supplement  online and by crossing the border into Mexico.  Meanwhile, dozens of Reumofan users have suffered serious and sometimes life-threatening health effects after taking the pills, including liver injury, strokes and severe episodes of bleeding.

Lab tests by U.S. and Mexican health authorities have uncovered powerful and potentially dangerous prescription drugs hidden in Reumofan products. Yet while government officials have warned the public of this finding, they have been unable to determine anything about the mysterious company behind the product, other than its name – Riger Natural. Maker of dangerous pain pills is ‘ghost’ that can’t be found

The national daily newspaper also offers some tips for patients using this dangerous dietary supplement:

• Immediately consult your doctor or other health care professional
• Do not abruptly stop taking the supplement before getting consultation
• Seek out information about Reumofan and its risks

FDA tips for consumers using Reumofan dietary supplements

For more information, call 800-332-1088 or or  visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.