FDA to Consumers: Don’t Use These Hyaluronic Acid Products

 The FDA has issued an advisory to consumers, urging them not to buy or use an array of products that, on labeling, contain hyaluronic acid but that contain “hidden” ingredients that are not included in the labeling.

The products — including Curcuflex, DINA Acido Hialuronico, KUKA FLEX CBD, Umary, and others — are marketed and sold as joint pain relief treatments online at sites such as ebay.com and possibly in some retail stores, the agency said. But these products can pose risks that the consumer doesn’t even know about, according to the agency.

“Using these products pose a serious risk to your health,” the advisory said. “These products can lead to severe health issues and hospitalization. FDA urges consumers taking these products to immediately talk with their doctor about how to safely stop using the product.” Talking with a doctor is important because sudden discontinuation of some of the products can cause withdrawal symptoms, the FDA cautioned.

Here are the products the FDA is urging the public not to use:

Curcuflex is a product that is promoted and sold for pain relief on eBay and other sites and possibly in some retail stores, the FDA says. An FDA lab analysis confirmed that it contains dexamethasone and diclofenac, which are not listed on the product’s label.

Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, can impair the body’s ability to fight infections and can cause high blood sugar, muscle injuries, and psychiatric problems.

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase risk for cardiovascular events and serious gastrointestinal damage. Interactions with other drugs, particularly other NSAIDS, also carry risk, the advisory says.

DINA Acido Hialuronico has been found on FDA lab analysis to contain dexamethasone; methocarbamol, a muscle relaxant; meloxicam, an NSAID; and phenolphthalein, an active ingredient not approved for any drug in the US — all not listed on the label.

Methocarbamol can cause sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Meloxicam carries risks similar to diclofenac. And studies have suggested phenolphthalein might increase cancer risk, the FDA said.

KUKA FLEX CBD, promoted for joint pain relief and sold on eBay, has been found in FDA lab analysis to contain diclofenac, which is not on the label.

Umary, sold on ibeautystore.com, contains diclofenac, dexamethasone, and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor for stomach acid disorders, according to FDA analysis. Omeprazole can cause skin reactions, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

RM Joe, also sold for joint pain relief on websites including naturistamexicanstore.com, has been found on analysis to contain dexamethasone phosphate and diclofenac, which are not on the label, the FDA said.

Yeicob Ácido Hialurónico, sold on websites including raysvitamins.com, contains dexamethasone phosphate and diclofenac that are not on the product label, according to its analysis, the FDA said.

Flexi Bion, sold on websites including eBay, was found on analysis to contain dexamethasone and diclofenac, the advisory said.

Dolotrex, sold on websites including www.innovacionnatural.com, was found on analysis to contain diclofenac, which is not on its label, according to the FDA.

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-consumers-dont-use-these-hyaluronic-acid-products-2026a1000aya