Quick Answer: FDA laboratory testing found that Ort-Flx contains diclofenac, dexamethasone and methocarbamol, and RX7 Articulaciones contains diclofenac and dexamethasone, none of them listed on the label (FDA, Ort-Flx; FDA, RX7 Articulaciones). Both were promoted for pain and arthritis and sold on sites including eBay and possibly in some stores. Don’t buy them. If you’ve been taking either one, call your doctor before stopping: the FDA says withdrawal from the hidden corticosteroid should be assessed by a health care professional. Five days earlier, on October 23, the FDA also flagged Ultra Bon, an arthritis and osteoporosis product, for hidden diclofenac (FDA).
The October 2026 Warnings Side by Side
| Product | FDA notice date | Promoted for | Hidden drugs found by FDA | Where sold (per FDA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ort-Flx | October 28, 2026 | Pain, arthritis and allergies | Diclofenac, dexamethasone, methocarbamol | Various websites including ebay.com; possibly some retail stores |
| RX7 Articulaciones | October 28, 2026 | Joint and muscle pain | Diclofenac, dexamethasone | Various websites including ebay.com; possibly some retail stores |
| Ultra Bon | October 23, 2026 | Arthritis, pain and osteoporosis | Diclofenac | Various websites including ebay.com; possibly some retail stores |
The FDA’s results reflect the samples it tested. In its earlier Artri and Ortiga warning, the agency noted that ingredients “may vary from product to product or from lot to lot” in products like these, so a bottle that wasn’t tested shouldn’t be assumed clean (FDA).
Hidden Ingredient vs the Real Medicine
Each hidden ingredient is a legitimate drug when a clinician prescribes it or when it’s used as labeled. The danger is the dose you can’t see, taken without screening for conditions and interactions.
| Ingredient | What it is | How it’s legally sold in the U.S. | Key risks the FDA lists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diclofenac | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) | Oral tablets by prescription (MedlinePlus); a topical 1% gel is sold over the counter for arthritis pain (MedlinePlus) | Heart attack and stroke; stomach bleeding, ulcers and tears; interactions with other NSAIDs |
| Dexamethasone | Corticosteroid (steroid) that reduces inflammation | Prescription only (MedlinePlus) | Weakened immunity and infections; high blood sugar; muscle damage; mental health problems; withdrawal if stopped suddenly |
| Methocarbamol (Ort-Flx only) | Muscle relaxant | Prescription only (MedlinePlus) | Drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure; unsafe for driving |
Why These Products Can Seem to “Work”
A steroid plus an NSAID is a powerful anti-inflammatory combination, so someone with arthritis may genuinely feel better within days. That relief is exactly what makes these products risky: people keep taking them for weeks or months, often alongside over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen, without knowing they are doubling up on NSAIDs or taking a daily steroid. Long-term hidden steroid use is how the FDA’s Artri King reports described problems such as sudden weight gain, high blood sugar and adrenal dysfunction (FDA).
How to Stop Safely If You’ve Been Taking One
- Stop buying it and don’t start a new bottle.
- Call your doctor or pharmacist before you stop. Bring the bottle. The FDA advises anyone taking Ort-Flx or RX7 Articulaciones to consult a health care professional to discontinue safely, because the risks of corticosteroid withdrawal need individual assessment.
- Know the withdrawal warning signs. In its Artri warning, the FDA listed fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, fever, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, and shortness of breath as symptoms of stopping corticosteroids suddenly after long-term or high-dose use.
- Don’t add another NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin for pain) on top while you still have diclofenac on board, unless your clinician says it’s fine.
- Ask about checks. Your clinician may want to look at blood sugar, blood pressure or stomach symptoms, depending on how long you took it.
- Report it. Side effects can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
A Familiar Pattern: Artri, Ortiga and Now “Articulaciones”
Joint products with Spanish-language names and hidden steroids aren’t new. Starting January 2022, the FDA warned about Artri Ajo King, then broadened its warning to products with “Artri” or “Ortiga” in the name, which it found contained dexamethasone, diclofenac and methocarbamol. By July 2023 the agency said more than 30 additional consumers had experienced serious health effects, and it has received adverse event reports including liver toxicity and death associated with Artri King products. It issued warning letters to Amazon, Walmart and Latin Foods Market for distributing them (FDA).
RX7 Articulaciones (“articulaciones” means “joints”) and Ort-Flx contain the same drug combinations. The FDA says it has found more than 1,000 fraudulent products overall and can’t test every product marketed as a supplement (FDA).
Red Flags That a “Natural” Pain Product May Be Spiked
- It promises fast relief for arthritis, osteoporosis or “bone” problems, sometimes even cancer.
- It’s sold mainly through marketplaces, social media or small shops, with little manufacturer information.
- The label lists only herbs (garlic, nettle, turmeric, omega-3), yet it works dramatically faster than those ingredients typically do.
- It causes steroid-like effects: increased appetite, puffiness or rapid weight gain, trouble sleeping, or high blood sugar readings.
- The FDA has already warned about a product with a similar name. Search the FDA’s health fraud notifications before buying.
Who Should Choose What Instead
- Knee or hand osteoarthritis, want to avoid pills: a labeled topical NSAID is an option; see our Voltaren Gel vs Advil comparison.
- Need an oral pain reliever: compare labeled options and their warnings in Tylenol vs Advil and Aleve vs Advil, and check with a pharmacist if you have heart, kidney or stomach problems.
- Prefer a supplement: evidence for joint supplements is modest; see Glucosamine vs Chondroitin and Turmeric vs Curcumin, and choose products with third-party verification.
- Inflammatory arthritis or pain that needs steroids: that is a prescription decision with monitoring, not something to source from an online “natural” product.
When to See a Doctor
Get medical help promptly if you have taken one of these products and notice black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, shortness of breath, very high blood sugar readings, signs of infection, extreme fatigue, dizziness or fainting. Call your doctor before stopping any product you suspect contains a steroid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the FDA find in Ort-Flx?
FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Ort-Flx contains diclofenac (an NSAID), dexamethasone (a corticosteroid) and methocarbamol (a muscle relaxant), none of which are listed on the label. The FDA posted the warning on October 28, 2026.
What did the FDA find in RX7 Articulaciones?
FDA testing confirmed that RX7 Articulaciones contains diclofenac and dexamethasone that are not listed on the label. It is promoted for joint and muscle pain and was sold on websites including eBay. The warning was posted October 28, 2026.
Should I stop taking Ort-Flx or RX7 Articulaciones right away?
Stop buying it, but talk to a health care professional before you stop taking it. Both products contain dexamethasone, and the FDA says the risks of corticosteroid withdrawal should be assessed by a clinician, because stopping a steroid suddenly after regular use can cause fatigue, nausea, low blood pressure, low blood sugar and other serious symptoms.
Why are hidden steroids in joint supplements dangerous?
A hidden dose of dexamethasone can weaken the immune system, raise blood sugar and cause muscle damage and mental health problems, and hidden diclofenac raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and stomach bleeding, according to the FDA. Because the drugs are not on the label, people may combine them with other NSAIDs or steroids without knowing.
Is this the same problem as Artri King?
It is the same pattern. Since 2022 the FDA has warned about Artri and Ortiga products containing hidden dexamethasone, diclofenac and methocarbamol, and it has received reports of serious harm including liver toxicity and death linked to Artri King products.
How do I report a reaction to one of these products?
Report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online, or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, and tell your doctor.
Sources
- FDA (Oct 28, 2026): Ort-Flx may be harmful due to hidden ingredients
- FDA (Oct 28, 2026): RX7 Articulaciones may be harmful due to hidden ingredients
- FDA (Oct 23, 2026): Ultra Bon may be harmful due to hidden ingredient
- FDA: Warning not to purchase or use Artri and Ortiga products (2022–2023 updates)
- FDA: Medication Health Fraud
- MedlinePlus: Diclofenac (oral) and Diclofenac topical
- MedlinePlus: Dexamethasone
- MedlinePlus: Methocarbamol
- FDA: MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any supplement, medication, or treatment — particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medications, or have a diagnosed medical condition.