Family mourns dad after allergic reaction to common cold medicine

“How incredibly lucky we all were to have such a kind and funny person in our lives for the time that we did, and how cruel life can be to take you so soon."

Joel Erickson

3 min read

June 7, 2024 - 9:07AM

Family Life

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A family is in mourning after a father-of-two tragically died after suffering an allergic reaction to an ingredient commonly found in cold and flu tablets.

Cale Agosta’s family allege the dad suffered “irreversible brain damage” after taking ArmaForce, an over-the-counter supplement available at pharmacies.

The Daily Mail reports the tragedy has left Cale’s wife, Tekita, with the task of raising their two-year-old and seven-month-old daughters alone.

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“Cale is a loyal friend, a devoted husband, and a loving father,” family friend Steve Brittain wrote on a fundraiser for the family.

“If the roles were reversed, I know Cale would give us the shirt off his back as I watched him do it weekly for 20 years.

“He was forever helping others with odd jobs and asking for nothing in return.”

Cale Agosta allegedly suffered irreversible brain damage after taking a popular supplement. Picture: GoFundMe

"You will be hugely missed"

Cale’s sister-in-law, Tegan, also shared a heartfelt message about his death.

“Cale, I don’t have many words at this point,” she wrote.

“It doesn’t seem real, and I’m still in shock.

“How incredibly lucky we all were to have such a kind and funny person in our lives for the time that we did, and how cruel life can be to take you so soon.

“I could have never asked for a better brother-in-law, and I will be forever grateful to have you as a part of my life. You will be hugely missed each and every day.”

Cale Agosta's wife Tekita has been left to raise their two daughters alone. Picture: GoFundMe

TGA's official warning about supplement

The Daily Mail reports ArmaForce contains andrographis paniculata, olea europea, echinacea purpurea, zinc amino acid chelate, and ascorbic acid vitamin C.

ArmaForce is described as a “comprehensive vegan formula combining andrographis and immune-supporting nutrients” that treats mild cold and flu symptoms.

“Andrographis decreases the severity of symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections, including sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, fatigue and restless sleep. Zinc and vitamin C maintain healthy immune system function,” BioCeuticals’ website reads.

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Adults are told to take one ArmaForce tablet a day for no more than two weeks.

The Daily Mail reports the bottle contains warnings that andrographis “may cause allergic reactions in some people”.

More than 800 reports of adverse reactions to ArmaForce have been registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration, including a loss of taste and anaphylaxis.

This led to the TGA issuing a safety advisory for one of ArmaForce’s main ingredients, andrographis paniculata, saying it could change a person’s sense of taste.

A fundraiser for Cale's family has raised more than $150,000. Picture: GoFundMe

"Any medicine can see people have a reaction"

Sydney University Dean of Pharmacy, Professor Andrew McLachlan, told The Daily Mail ArmaForce was considered a safe and low-risk medicine, and more than 100 products contained the same herbal ingredients.

“This could’ve happened for any number of herbal medicines you can get over the counter, and it’s very rare and unpredictable,” he said.

“It’s a good reminder that any medicine and even foods can see people have a reaction, and how to respond to it is very important.”

A spokesperson for BioCeutical’s parent company, Blackmores, told The Daily Mail the health and safety of their customers was their “number one priority”.

“We take suspected adverse events very seriously,” the spokesperson said.

“We have a strict pharmacovigilance system in place to investigate reports of suspected adverse events associated with our products.

“We have been made aware of the GoFundMe page and are investigating the alleged adverse event.

“If consumers or their family members have experienced a suspected adverse event associated with our product, we encourage them to contact the BioCeuticals Naturopathic Advisory Team.”