An herbal supplement sold on Amazon is being recalled after it was revealed to contain a substance found in illicit street drugs.
Infla-650 is a $55 “blend of ancient Indian herbs” sold nationwide, including on Amazon, that claims to help soothe users’ joints and keep their bones healthy.
But routine FDA testing revealed the “supplements” were contaminated with three drugs not listed on the label, including phenylbutazone, which was also banned in the US in the 1980s after it was linked to a series of deaths.
The swabs also revealed the presence of acetaminophen in the supplements, the active ingredient in the painkiller paracetamol, and diclofenac, which is used in anti-inflammatory drugs. In high doses, these can also be deadly.
Infla-650 is a $55 “ancient Indian herbal blend” sold nationwide that is claimed to help relieve users’ joints and maintain healthy bones (the product is pictured above). It is now being recalled.
Routine testing by the FDA found the products were contaminated with three drugs, making them illegal to sell as supplements.
The FDA has ordered a recall of much of the product across the United States, where it is sold in vitamin and supplement stores. To date, no adverse effects have been reported.
The agency said: ‘Use of the product poses a serious threat to consumers.
‘Infla-650 herbal dietary supplement capsules are an unapproved new drug for which safety and efficacy have not been established and are therefore subject to recall.’
Phenylbutazone can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and damage to the liver and kidneys. In severe cases, it can also cause the bone marrow to stop producing enough blood cells, leading to serious bleeding, infections, and death.
The drug was banned in the United States and the United Kingdom after its Swiss manufacturer said in 1982 that it could be linked to 1,182 deaths. Today, authorities say it still appears in the United States as an adulterant in street drugs.
The FDA also expressed concern that consumers using the product could unintentionally overdose on acetaminophen, putting them at risk for liver failure.
And the agency said diclofenac increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes, as well as gastrointestinal bleeding and fatal perforation of the stomach lining.
Supplements claim to help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.
Similarly, they said the medications in the supplement could interact with other medications patients are taking, leading to adverse effects.
It was unclear how much of each drug the supplement capsules contained, but it was believed to be only very small amounts.
GURU INC, which marketed the product, is notifying distributors and customers of the recall via email.
The recalled products have lot number IN-032 and an expiration date of November 2027. They were shipped to retailers nationwide between March and June of this year.
The FDA recommends that consumers who have the recalled product stop using it immediately and return it to the store where they purchased it.
This comes after the FDA recalled THC-infused gummies and candies sold in several states after several people were hospitalized and one death was “potentially” linked to the treats.
A total of 39 illnesses have been reported among those who consumed Diamond Shruumz candies.
Symptoms included seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness.