(RxWiki News) The FDA recently identified several supplements that contained hidden drug ingredients. And those hidden ingredients could pose health risks.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released several warnings on its website that identified hidden drug ingredients in sexual enhancement supplements. Some of these hidden drug ingredients could interact with other medications or not be safe for people with certain health conditions.
The FDA reviews and approves all prescription medications in the United States for safety and effectiveness. But the agency is unable to test all over-the-counter supplements. Supplements marked "all natural" and promoted for sexual enhancement may contain potentially dangerous hidden drug ingredients, according to the FDA.
For instance, the most recent warnings note that several sexual enhancement supplements contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. The FDA has approved sildenafil for use in patients with erectile dysfunction — but only with a prescription.
Sildenafil "may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," according to the FDA. "Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates."
Doctors and pharmacists can navigate these potentially dangerous drug interactions and side effects for patients. But patients unknowingly taking sildenafil in a dietary supplement could face health risks.
Among the sexual enhancement supplements recently found to contain hidden ingredients are the following:
- African Viagra
- Black 3K Plus Male Sexual Enhancement Capsules
- Rhino 5 1500 Capsules
- Rhino 8 Platinum 8000
- Rhino 9 Premium 3500
- Rhino 7K 9000 Male Performance Booster
- Triple Green Capsules
- Duramaxxx
- Bl4ck 4K Capsules
- 90° Jiushidu Capsules
- Black Mamba 2 Premium
- Lang Yi Hao
- Big Penis Male Sexual Stimulant
Consumers should not take any of the above supplements. Always speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement.
The FDA is asking patients to report any adverse reactions or side effects involving these supplements.