AS the nation celebrates Father’s Day, the environmental and health advocacy group EcoWaste Coalition drew attention to sexual enhancement and energy products sold by sidewalk vendors, Chinese drug stores and online sellers that can pose serious health risks to the fathers and father figures we honor today.
Citing information from the health authorities in Canada, the USA and the Philippines, the group warned that many of these products lack authorization to be legally sold and may contain potent ingredients not permitted in such products, which can cause serious side effects.
For the safety of consumers, especially men, the EcoWaste Coalition echoed the following information from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
“Many products that claim to help with sexual enhancement or treat sexual dysfunction – such as male enhancement supplements, erectile dysfunction treatments, male energy pills and stamina pills – are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients.”
“These contaminated products are a type of medication health fraud.”
“These products are sometimes falsely advertised as dietary supplements, food and/or all-natural treatments. They often have multiple positive reviews and/or are being shared through social media. They are sold online and in stores.”
“These products pose serious health risks and are not guaranteed to work. They can lead to severe health issues and hospitalization.”
Among the ingredients of concern found on such products are classified as prescription drugs, which should only be consumed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
According to the recalls and safety alerts issued by Health Canada (which is equivalent to the country’s Department of Health), some of these products may contain ingredients not listed on the label such as prescription drugs sildenafil and/or tadalafil “possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts.”
Tests conducted by the FDA Philippines have confirmed the presence of sildenafil and tadalafil in some dietary supplements for men that are sold locally.
As explained by the FDA, sildenafil citrate is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in males and is prohibited in food supplements due to potential health risks, particularly for persons who have had a stroke, those with cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and low blood pressure.
Possible side effects of consuming sexual enhancement or energy products with sildenafil citrate include changes in vision or sudden vision loss, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection, and priapism (or prolonged erection of the penis), the FDA said.
Like sildenafil citrate, tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat male sexual problems and is also prohibited in food supplements due to possible side effects, especially for those who have had a stroke and those experiencing blood, heart, kidney and stomach ulcer problems.
The consumption of sexual enhancement or energy products containing tadalafil may lead to back and muscle pain, flushing, headache, indigestion, nausea, and stuffy or runny nose, the FDA said.
The EcoWaste Coalition reminded concerned individuals to be cautious, refrain from buying unregistered products, and to consult a health care professional before purchasing and consuming a product for your health.
