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 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 available without a prescription from pharmacies.

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

Sydney University 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.”

Cale Agosta suffered irreversible brain damage after taking ArmaForce, a supplement available from pharmacies without a prescription

Agosta’s wife Tekita now has the devastating task of raising their two- and seven-month-old daughters 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,” wrote Steve Brittain, a family friend.

“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.

Mr. Agosta suffered brain damage as a result of an allergic reaction and was unable to recover

Mr Agosta’s wife Tekita now has the devastating task of raising their daughters, aged two and seven months, alone

“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 generated more than $92,000 in donations.

ArmaForce, owned by BioCeuticals, is available from pharmacies without a prescription.

A GoFundMe has been launched to provide financial support to Mr Agosta’s family

It is described as a “comprehensive vegan formula combining andrographis and immune-supporting nutrients” used to treat mild cold and flu symptoms.

‘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.”

ArmaForce, owned by BioCeuticals, is available from pharmacies without a prescription

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 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.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted BioCeutical’s parent company Blackmores for comment.

Mr. Agosta is remembered as a loving and supportive father of two children