FDA Reports Some Pain Products Contain Hidden Ingredients

The FDA has found that multiple dietary supplements or herbal remedies intended to treat pain from arthritis or other conditions contain ingredients that are not listed. This can be dangerous because of side effects, drug interactions, or potential for overdose if the person is taking other medications that contain those hidden ingredients.  If you have taken a product of this type and think it caused side effects, you can report those at the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Be cautious when shopping for supplements and herbal remedies. These products are not approved by the FDA, so may not contain the ingredients listed at the stated amounts, or can contain unlisted ingredients. You can get more information on supplements and how to choose them safely at the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.