Cale was a fit and healthy dad of two. Now his wife must raise their children alone after a deadly reaction to an ingredient found in many supplements – and you probably have a packet at home

A much-loved father-of-two has tragically died after reportedly suffering an allergic reaction to an ingredient commonly found in cold and flu tablets.

Cale Agosta suffered irreversible brain damage after taking ArmaForce, a supplement that can be bought over the counter at pharmacies, according to a fundraiser set up for his family.

The ingredients of ArmaForce are andrographis paniculata, olea europea, echinacea purpurea, zinc amino acid chelate and ascorbic acid vitamin C.

University of Sydney Professor Andrew McLachlan, head of the school and dean of pharmacy, said the three key herbal ingredients in ArmaForce are also found in a range of other over-the-counter medicines.

He assured that ArmaForce was a “safe, low-risk drug” and that the serious reaction to the ingredient was “rare.”

Mr. Agosta’s wife, Tekita, is now tasked with raising their daughters, ages two and seven months, alone.

“Cale is a loyal friend, a devoted husband and a loving father. An electrician by trade, he was the primary breadwinner for the family,” family friend Steve Brittain wrote on GoFundMe.

“If the tables were turned, I know Cale would give us the shirt off his back as I’ve seen him do that every week for 20 years. Always helping others with chores and asking nothing in return.’

Mr Agosta’s sister-in-law Tegan also shared a heartfelt message following his death.

“Cale, I don’t have many words right now. It doesn’t seem real and I’m still in shock,” she said.

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

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

‘Thank you for creating and nurturing such a funny child in Violet. I know you were so proud of her humor and that will be our comfort in the future.”

Mr. Brittain has since had a GoFundMe to help financially support Mrs. Agosta and her two children.

The fundraiser has received more than $92,000 in donations to date.

ArmaForce, owned by BioCeuticals, is described as a “comprehensive vegan formula combining andrographis and immune-supporting nutrients” used to treat mild symptoms of colds and flu.

‘Andrographis reduces the severity of symptoms of mild upper respiratory infections, including sore throat, headache, runny nose, cough, fatigue and restless sleep. Zinc and vitamin C ensure healthy functioning of the immune system,” the website says.

Adults are told to take one tablet a day for up to two weeks.

A warning label on the bottle states: ‘Andrographis may cause taste disturbances, including loss of taste, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain.

‘Andrographis can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have a severe reaction (such as anaphylaxis), discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.”

More than 800 reports of adverse reactions to ArmaForce tablets have been registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), while no deaths have been reported.

The most common reaction reported was loss of taste, while anaphylaxis was also observed in patients.

The TGA issued a safety advisory for one of ArmaForce’s ingredients, andrographis paniculata, saying it had the potential to alter a person’s sense of taste.

“ArmaForce is widely regarded and regulated as a safe, low-risk medicine, and more than 100 products contain the same herbal ingredients,” Prof McLachlan told Daily Mail Australia.

“This could have happened with any herbal medicine you can get without a prescription, and it is very rare and unpredictable.”

Professor McLachlan said Agosta’s case was a “good reminder” that people can have allergic reactions to all types of medicines.

He pointed to penicillin, which is considered a relatively safe drug, but those who are allergic can experience life-threatening symptoms.

The professor said it is likely that Mr. Agosta went into shock and his blood pressure dropped, causing brain damage.

“It’s a good reminder that any drug and even food can tell people are having a reaction and how to respond to that is very important,” he said.

A spokesperson for BioCeutical’s parent company Blackmores told Daily Mail Australia: ‘The health and safety of our consumers is our number one priority, and we take suspected adverse reactions very seriously.

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

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

‘If consumers or their family members have experienced a suspected adverse reaction related to our product, we encourage them to contact the BioCeuticals Naturopathic Advisory Team on 1300 650 455 or by email at advice@bioceuticals.com.au. ‘