The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public that a product distributed and sold under the name “WOW” is another banned product in disguise. Earlier this year, the FDA warned the public about taking Reumofan Plus, which was marketed as a “natural” dietary supplement for the treatment of arthritis and bone cancer. It contained undeclared active ingredients found in prescription drugs that should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional.
Apparently, some distributors have deliberately put a new label and new name, WOW, on bottles of Reumofan Plus to deceptively sell remaining supplies. It was distributed to online retailers and other distributors, as well as directly to consumers.
Since June, the FDA has received dozens of reports of serious and sometimes fatal outcomes from those who took Reumofan Plus. These include liver injury, severe bleeding, corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome, adrenal suppression, and stroke. The product contains dexamethasone, a steroid that can cause damage to bones, risk of infection, and psychiatric problems. It also has diclofenac sodium, a NSAID that can cause heart attack and serious gastrointestinal problems. Finally, it contains methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant that can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
These drugs can also interact with other drugs patients may be taking, resulting in serious health consequences. If you have taken either Reumofan Plus or WOW, contact your health care provider immediately. Because the product contains a corticosteroid, you must taper off the product. If you abruptly stop it, you risk life-threatening adrenal suppression.
