Popular joint supplement ‘may cause liver harm’
A widely used supplement to relieve joint pain could harm the liver - and some users have needed hospital care, Medsafe warns. Arthrem is marketed as a ‘‘dietary supplement used to relieve joint pain and stiffness’’. It is not an approved medicine and it is not being recalled, although Medsafe will monitor its safety after becoming aware of 14 instances of harm to the liver in those who had previously taken Arthrem. The Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) was notified of 20 incidents between February 2016 and December 31, 2017, a statement from the Ministry of Health says. Fourteen of the incidents reported to CARM described harm to the user’s liver, the statement says. Medsafe group manager Chris James said CARM had notified them there was an ‘‘ongoing issue’’ with the Arthrem product. ‘‘Medsafe wants to ensure all New Zealanders who are using this product are aware of the serious risk it may pose,’’ James said. The 14 affected patients had stopped taking Arthrem and had recovered or were improving. The statement said anyone taking Arthrem who experienced nausea, stomach pain, pale stools, dark urine, itching, or jaundice should stop taking the medicine and contact their doctor.