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| The FDA is warning consumers to throw out a dietary supplement called Arth-Q, marketed for arthritis sufferers as "all natural," because it actually contains ibuprofen. The hidden drug ingredient makes the supplement dangerous for people who don't know they're taking the drug. (Plain Dealer file) |
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning that an arthritis pain supplement called Arth-Q contains ibuprofen as a hidden drug ingredient, posing the risk of side effects and drug interactions to people who take the supplement. The FDA's warning is part of a larger effort to bring attention to dietary supplements and conventional foods that contain hidden drug ingredients, which the agency says is a growing problem. Many of the products are sold as weight loss aids or for sexual enhancement and body-building. Arth-Q, which is sold online at various websites, including Amazon.com, is advertised as "100 percent natural." It is labeled in English but also promoted in the Korean community as “알쓰큐” or “알쓰Q,” according to the release.
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