Shocking discovery: Your 'herbal' supplements might be laced with Viagra
- Replies 2
In the quest for natural remedies and enhancements, many Australians are turning to what they believe are herbal supplements, especially those that promise to boost sexual performance.
However, a recent investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's pharmaceutical watchdog, has revealed a startling and potentially dangerous reality for some of these 'natural' products.
On January 29, the TGA issued urgent safety alerts for several supplements, including Tantra Jelly, Bullblood tablets, and Throb herbal supplements.
These products, which were being sold online as natural remedies, were found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, active ingredients in prescription-only medications Viagra and Cialis, respectively.
In some cases, the supplements contained both substances.
The presence of these pharmaceuticals in supposedly herbal supplements is alarming for several reasons.
Firstly, sildenafil and tadalafil can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, and can have serious interactions with other medications.
Consumers taking tadalafil have a slightly different side effect profile. Like sildenafil, tadalafil can cause headaches, indigestion, and nasal congestion.
However, tadalafil can also cause unique symptoms like back pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections.
The fact that consumers are unknowingly ingesting these substances without medical supervision is a significant health risk.
‘The products were not marketed to consumers as containing the schedule 4 substances sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil which was the reason for the publication of the safety alerts,’ the TGA said.
The TGA identified these products as 'potentially counterfeit' and seized them for further analysis during an inquiry.
When asked about the origin of the products, the TGA stated: ‘As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details on this specific matter can be provided at this stage.’
The TGA's warnings highlight the dangers of purchasing medicines and warned consumers ‘to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites’.
These products ‘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’.
The TGA highly discouraged customers from self-medicating with erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines.
‘ED products that claim to be herbal, natural or energy supplements are not necessarily safe,’ they said.
‘The TGA warns consumers that ED products sold online, especially from sellers that do not request a valid doctor’s prescription, may be counterfeit. These products may contain undeclared (hidden) substances that could cause a serious adverse reaction.’
In response to the TGA's findings, Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association, stated: ‘People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements, because some are potentially harmful and it’s very difficult to be certain about what they contain.’
He emphasised the risks of buying supplements online from international websites and recommended using local pharmacies for online medication purchases.
‘While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines, and some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines,’ Robson said.
‘Unproven complementary medicines and therapies can also pose a risk to patient health either directly through misuse or indirectly if a patient defers seeking medical advice.’
‘There’s also the risk of people spending money on unproven medicines and therapies.’
A 2020 review in the medical journal Drug Testing and Analysis reported that ‘there is a growing trend toward the intentional adulteration of dietary supplements (DS) with synthetic pharmaceuticals, which represents an alarming emerging risk to consumers and a serious problem for regulatory agencies’.
The review found that nearly half of the adulterants reported between 2010 and 2019 were in erectile dysfunction supplements, with the majority containing sildenafil or its analogues.
The TGA has advised anyone who has purchased the implicated products to cease using them immediately, dispose of any remaining product at their local pharmacy safely, and consult a medical professional if they have health concerns.
‘Ongoing enforcement activities conducted by the TGA have resulted in the seizure of products containing scheduled substances from brick-and-mortar retail outlet,’ TGA stated.
‘The TGA has previously issued infringement notices totalling $53,280 to Brisbane-based company Performance Online Services Pty Ltd for the alleged export, supply and advertising of counterfeit erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines in breach of the Act.’
For peace of mind, the TGA recommends that consumers ensure any supplement or medicine they purchase is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
‘Manufacturers of products on the ARTG, whether overseas or onshore, hold the required manufacturing licences and/or certifications to manufacture therapeutic goods to an acceptable Australian standard.’
‘Products not on the ARTG may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients,’ they said.
Such products also ‘may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia’.
If you've experienced any concerning side effects from medication or herbal supplements, it's crucial to report them to the TGA online or by calling 1800 020 653.
This helps the TGA monitor product safety and take necessary actions to protect public health.
While the allure of 'natural' and 'herbal' supplements can be strong, especially for those seeking to enhance their sexual performance, the recent TGA safety alerts serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements, and make sure any products you use are approved by the TGA. Your health is too important to leave to chance.
What do you think of this story? Have you tried or do you know someone who has tried these products before? Let us know in the comments below.
However, a recent investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's pharmaceutical watchdog, has revealed a startling and potentially dangerous reality for some of these 'natural' products.
On January 29, the TGA issued urgent safety alerts for several supplements, including Tantra Jelly, Bullblood tablets, and Throb herbal supplements.
These products, which were being sold online as natural remedies, were found to contain sildenafil and tadalafil, active ingredients in prescription-only medications Viagra and Cialis, respectively.
In some cases, the supplements contained both substances.
Some ‘herbal supplements’ in circulation were found to contain substances found in Viagra and Cialis. Image: Freepik
The presence of these pharmaceuticals in supposedly herbal supplements is alarming for several reasons.
Firstly, sildenafil and tadalafil can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, and can have serious interactions with other medications.
Consumers taking tadalafil have a slightly different side effect profile. Like sildenafil, tadalafil can cause headaches, indigestion, and nasal congestion.
However, tadalafil can also cause unique symptoms like back pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infections.
The fact that consumers are unknowingly ingesting these substances without medical supervision is a significant health risk.
‘The products were not marketed to consumers as containing the schedule 4 substances sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil which was the reason for the publication of the safety alerts,’ the TGA said.
The TGA identified these products as 'potentially counterfeit' and seized them for further analysis during an inquiry.
When asked about the origin of the products, the TGA stated: ‘As this is an ongoing investigation, no further details on this specific matter can be provided at this stage.’
The TGA's warnings highlight the dangers of purchasing medicines and warned consumers ‘to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites’.
These products ‘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’.
The TGA highly discouraged customers from self-medicating with erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines.
‘ED products that claim to be herbal, natural or energy supplements are not necessarily safe,’ they said.
‘The TGA warns consumers that ED products sold online, especially from sellers that do not request a valid doctor’s prescription, may be counterfeit. These products may contain undeclared (hidden) substances that could cause a serious adverse reaction.’
In response to the TGA's findings, Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association, stated: ‘People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements, because some are potentially harmful and it’s very difficult to be certain about what they contain.’
He emphasised the risks of buying supplements online from international websites and recommended using local pharmacies for online medication purchases.
‘While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines, and some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines,’ Robson said.
‘Unproven complementary medicines and therapies can also pose a risk to patient health either directly through misuse or indirectly if a patient defers seeking medical advice.’
‘There’s also the risk of people spending money on unproven medicines and therapies.’
A 2020 review in the medical journal Drug Testing and Analysis reported that ‘there is a growing trend toward the intentional adulteration of dietary supplements (DS) with synthetic pharmaceuticals, which represents an alarming emerging risk to consumers and a serious problem for regulatory agencies’.
The review found that nearly half of the adulterants reported between 2010 and 2019 were in erectile dysfunction supplements, with the majority containing sildenafil or its analogues.
The TGA has advised anyone who has purchased the implicated products to cease using them immediately, dispose of any remaining product at their local pharmacy safely, and consult a medical professional if they have health concerns.
‘Ongoing enforcement activities conducted by the TGA have resulted in the seizure of products containing scheduled substances from brick-and-mortar retail outlet,’ TGA stated.
‘The TGA has previously issued infringement notices totalling $53,280 to Brisbane-based company Performance Online Services Pty Ltd for the alleged export, supply and advertising of counterfeit erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines in breach of the Act.’
For peace of mind, the TGA recommends that consumers ensure any supplement or medicine they purchase is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
‘Manufacturers of products on the ARTG, whether overseas or onshore, hold the required manufacturing licences and/or certifications to manufacture therapeutic goods to an acceptable Australian standard.’
‘Products not on the ARTG may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients,’ they said.
Such products also ‘may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia’.
If you've experienced any concerning side effects from medication or herbal supplements, it's crucial to report them to the TGA online or by calling 1800 020 653.
This helps the TGA monitor product safety and take necessary actions to protect public health.
While the allure of 'natural' and 'herbal' supplements can be strong, especially for those seeking to enhance their sexual performance, the recent TGA safety alerts serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying new supplements, and make sure any products you use are approved by the TGA. Your health is too important to leave to chance.
What do you think of this story? Have you tried or do you know someone who has tried these products before? Let us know in the comments below.
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