Hidden Prescription Drugs in 'Natural' Joint Relief Products Continue to Threaten Public Health in San Francisco

A significant public health concern persists in San Francisco, stemming from the continued reliance by Hispanic immigrants on so-called “natural” remedies marketed for chronic joint and bone pain. Products such as Artri Ajo King, Artri King, and AK Forte are circulating despite repeated and explicit warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This alarming situation, which first drew the regulator’s attention in January 2022, remains particularly acute within the historically Latino Mission District. These items are deceptively marketed as simple dietary supplements, yet laboratory analysis conducted by the FDA has uncovered the presence of potent, undeclared prescription medications. Specifically, Artri Ajo King was confirmed to contain diclofenac. Furthermore, Artri King was found to contain both diclofenac and dexamethasone, with some variants in the Artri/Ortiga line also including methocarbamol.

To clarify the danger, diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), while dexamethasone is a powerful corticosteroid. The long-term or unsupervised use of these substances carries severe risks for the endocrine system. Potential consequences include developing Cushing’s syndrome, severe osteoporosis, the onset of diabetes, and the suppression of the body’s natural cortisol production.

Moreover, individuals who cease taking these steroids abruptly after prolonged use face the risk of a serious withdrawal syndrome, often necessitating professional medical intervention. Many members of San Francisco’s Latino community, frequently engaged in physically demanding occupations, turn to these remedies because the hidden ingredients genuinely alleviate their pain, inadvertently fostering a false sense of security regarding their safety.

Local healthcare providers are already witnessing the fallout from this self-medication trend. Physicians across San Francisco report treating patients who have developed serious complications directly linked to consuming these supplements. These complications range from hormonal dysfunctions to the necessity of major joint replacement surgeries, such as hip replacements. The FDA has previously received reports linking Artri King products to adverse events, including instances of liver toxicity and fatalities.

The FDA issued its initial official alert concerning Artri Ajo King on January 5, 2022. A broader warning encompassing the Artri and Ortiga product lines followed on April 20, 2022. These regulatory actions prompted major national retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, to voluntarily remove the items from their shelves.

However, the distribution network has clearly adapted to circumvent federal oversight. These dangerous preparations remain readily available in smaller, specialized retail outlets located within the Mission District that cater specifically to Spanish-speaking consumers. This shift highlights a localized distribution strategy bypassing larger chains. In parallel efforts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has intercepted shipments of Artri King, classifying them as prohibited tablets.

The central challenge moving forward is determining how to effectively disseminate critical risk information to the vulnerable segments of San Francisco’s Hispanic population, given the steadfast continuation of their use of these products.