On October 22, 2023, Botanical-Be recalled of all lots of the company’s Kuka Flex Forte, Artri King, and Reumo Flex capsule products after FDA laboratory analysis found them to contain undeclared diclofenac.

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that can cause serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke, as well as bleeding, ulceration, and fatal tears of the stomach and intestines, or liver toxicity. The drug ingredient may also interact with other medications and significantly increase the risk of adverse events.

Recalled products (see product photos) were promoted for joint pain and arthritis and distributed nationwide on the internet. Affected products can be further identified by the following:

• Artri King, Lot #: 35421, Exp: December 19, 2025
• Kuka Flex Forte, Lot #: All lots, Exp: December 12, 2024
• Reumo Flex, Lot #: All lots, Exp: October 20, 2024

The FDA warned consumers not to use these and other products in September of 2023 after the agency’s testing found diclofenac, as well as dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) and methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant) in various products. Methocarbamol can cause low blood pressure, sedation and dizziness, while dexamethasone can cause infections, increased blood sugar, bone damage and psychiatric problems.

Botanical-Be is notifying customers of the recall via email and is arranging for the return of all recalled products. Consumers who have been taking these products should cease use immediately and return products to their place of purchase.

Consumers and healthcare providers can report any adverse reactions to the FDA’s MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Program.

See ConsumerLab’s Review of Joint Health Supplements for more information about related products.

Also see ConsumerLab’s article about supplements promoted to help with arthritis.

For more information, use the link below.

Botanical-Be Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Kuka Flex Forte, Artri King, and Reumo Flex (Capsules.) Due to Presence of Undeclared Diclofenac

See related recalls and warnings:

Dangerous Ingredients Found in Ten Arthritis and Pain Supplements

Walmart Inc. Recalls Joint Supplements With Omega-3, Glucosamine & CurcuminWalmart Inc. Recalls Joint Supplements With Omega-3, Glucosamine & Curcumin

Prescription Drugs Found in Arthritis, Muscle Pain, and Osteoporosis Supplements

Pharmaceutical Drugs Found In Dietary Supplements Pose Danger to Consumers

Recall: Arthritis and Muscle Pain Supplement Contains Prescription Drugs