Doctors in San Francisco are raising alarms about a growing number of Latino workers using Artri Ajo King, a supplement marketed as a natural remedy for joint pain, which contains hidden prescription drugs. The supplement, sold in Spanish-language packaging, has been linked to serious side effects including liver toxicity, osteoporosis, and Cushing's syndrome.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against Artri Ajo King in 2022 after laboratory analyses found it contained diclofenac, dexamethasone, and methocarbamol—powerful drugs that require a prescription. Despite the ban, the pills remain available in small shops in San Francisco's Mission District, and many Spanish-speaking immigrants remain unaware of the risks.
Gloria Caballero, 52, started taking the supplement four years ago for knee pain. She experienced dramatic relief but later developed facial swelling and bruises. A routine checkup in May revealed the pills were causing her symptoms. She was told to stop immediately, as abrupt discontinuation can be dangerous.
Dr. Elizabeth Murphy, chief of endocrinology at San Francisco General Hospital, has treated several patients with complications from the supplement. “Patients actually feel better because the high-dose steroids treat arthritis pain,” she said. “The problem is, it’s just not a safe treatment.”
The manufacturer could not be reached for comment, and the product has no official website. Mexican doctors have warned it is made in unregulated hidden laboratories.
