Move over tiger penis soup — the TGA has released a series of alerts warning consumers about three popular Chinese products advertised as herbal remedies for erectile and sexual dysfunction.
Rather than relying on centuries-old formulae handed down through the generations — the backbone of traditional Chinese herbal medicine — the remedies were found to contain the undeclared and highly modern substance sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra.
According to the TGA, BAIWEI Maximum Powerful tablets, along with Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms capsules and Ying Da Wang tablets, “pose a serious risk to consumers’ health and should not be taken.”
“These tablets have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by us,” the alerts said.
“Sildenafil taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects. Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
“People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates and similarly, consumers are advised that sildenafil is prescription-only medicine in Australia. The supply of BAIWEI Maximum Powerful tablets… Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms capsules… and Ying Da Wang tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.”
One of the products, Ying Da Wang, claims that it is one of the most widely used Chinese herbal aphrodisiac pills for men and women in Australia, Canada, the Philippines and the UK, with the “100% natural and organic alternative capsules” allegedly adding length and girth for men and a tuck and tighten for women.
The TGA has advised consumers to:
- Stop using the product and take any remaining tablets to their local pharmacy for safe disposal
- Consult their health care practitioner if they have any concerns arising from use of these products
- Report any adverse effects or concerns about these products on 1800 020 653 or via the TGA’s website
The TGA noted that it is working with the Australian Border Force to help stop future shipments of the three herbal remedies from entering Australia, tasked with seizing, and destroying any of these products intercepted at the border.
“We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites,” the agency said.
“Products purchased over the internet may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients and may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia.”
Especially when the manufacturer decides that the ‘rare herbal ingredients’ suoyang, xianmao, niugi, hyssop, angelica, medlar, tusizi, bugudzi and others, need a little extra kick from western medicine.