Counterfeit pills pose a hard problem: TGA warns Aussies against fake erectile dysfunction meds

The internet has become a bustling marketplace for all sorts of goods, including medications and health supplements. However, not everything sold online is safe or legitimate.

Australians are being alerted to a new health concern as authorities issue a warning about counterfeit items making their way into the market, posing significant risks to consumers.

This latest advisory underscores the importance of vigilance when purchasing health-related products.


The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's regulatory authority for therapeutic goods, has recently issued a stark warning about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit tablets online, particularly those claiming to treat male erectile dysfunction.

The TGA's latest alert focuses on Ziyinzhuangyang tablets, which are being marketed as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

The agency's testing has uncovered that these pills contain the undeclared substance sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, which is a prescription-only medication in Australia.


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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned against purchasing Ziyinzhuangyang tablets, advertised for male erectile dysfunction. Credit: Facebook / Therapeutic Goods Administration - TGA


Sildenafil can be particularly dangerous when it interacts with nitrates, which are commonly found in prescription drugs for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

When combined, sildenafil and nitrates can cause blood pressure to plummet to perilously low levels, posing a serious health risk.


The TGA's warning is not to be taken lightly. The side effects of sildenafil, especially when taken without medical supervision or combined with other medications, can be severe.

‘Consumers are reminded that sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine in Australia,’ TGA cautioned.

‘The supply of Ziyinzhuangyang tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.’

The agency is urging consumers to avoid purchasing Ziyinzhuangyang tablets, which are available on overseas websites but have not undergone TGA testing for quality, safety, or efficacy.

Furthermore, the manufacturing location of these tablets has not been verified, adding another layer of risk.


If you or someone you know has purchased these tablets, the TGA advised that they be taken to a local pharmacy for safe disposal.

Should you experience any health concerns after taking such tablets, it's crucial to contact your doctor immediately.

The TGA is actively working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to prevent future shipments of Ziyinzhuangyang tablets from entering the country.

This collaboration underscores the seriousness of the issue and the commitment of Australian authorities to protect public health.


This warning from the Therapeutic Goods Administration highlights the critical need for caution when it comes to health supplements and medications.

Similarly, a recent health crisis experienced by an elderly man serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly common libido pills.

Both instances underscore the importance of being well-informed and vigilant about the products we choose to consume.
Key Takeaways
  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned against buying Ziyinzhuangyang tablets, which are advertised for treating male erectile dysfunction.
  • These tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil, which can dangerously interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs.
  • Sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine in Australia, and the supply of these tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal.
  • The TGA advised people in possession of these tablets to dispose of them at their local pharmacy and consult their doctor if they have health concerns from taking the tablets.
  • The TGA is also working with the Australian Border Force to prevent future shipments from entering Australia.
Have you ever encountered counterfeit medications online? How do you ensure the medications you purchase are legitimate? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help others stay safe.
 
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"Counterfeit pills pose a hard problem"​

And why do you suppose this would pose such a problem? Could it be that Big Pharma can't make any money off them?

The TGA is a joke. It approves thousands of drugs that are harmful to people's health. Take Somac for instance - prescribed to patients suffering a hiatal hernia. When prescribed to me, I asked my doctor, "what are the side effects of this drug?" "None. I take them myself" he replies.

Now there is a class action suit against this drug as it 'can' cause stomach cancer, as well as damage kidneys however, you can only join the class action if you have received a confirmed diagnosis of either of these.

Don't even get me started on Statins...
 

"Counterfeit pills pose a hard problem"​

And why do you suppose this would pose such a problem? Could it be that Big Pharma can't make any money off them?

The TGA is a joke. It approves thousands of drugs that are harmful to people's health. Take Somac for instance - prescribed to patients suffering a hiatal hernia. When prescribed to me, I asked my doctor, "what are the side effects of this drug?" "None. I take them myself" he replies.

Now there is a class action suit against this drug as it 'can' cause stomach cancer, as well as damage kidneys however, you can only join the class action if you have received a confirmed diagnosis of either of these.

Don't even get me started on Statins...
Like everything, one size doesn't fit all.
Some people have a deadly reaction to some medications , or food, bee stings, etc, others have no reaction at all.
I just had my 12 month health check, which I passed with flying colours, thank goodness.
I have been taking statins for the last 27 years, with excellent results.
Where would we be without pharmaceutical companies.
Pushing up daisies, a lot of us, I would imagine.
 
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