OTTAWA, March 23, 2016 /CNW/ -
The issue
Health Canada seized thirteen unauthorized drugs promoted for sexual enhancement or as bodybuilding supplements from four separate retailers in Ontario (see table below). The products were found to contain or were labelled to contain various prescription drug substances and other drug substances that may pose serious risks to the health of Canadians.
What you should do
Who is affected
Consumers who have purchased or used any of these products, particularly those with heart conditions.
Background
Sildenafil and tadalafil are prescription drug ingredients. Products containing these ingredients should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Sildenafil and tadalafil should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.
Desmethyl carbondenafil is a substance similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks
Dapoxetine is a drug ingredient. Side effects include seizures, changes in blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, headache and nausea.
Yohimbine is a prescription drug ingredient. Products containing yohimbine should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. The use of drugs containing yohimbine (either as yohimbine hydrochloride or yohimbe bark extract) may result in serious adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects associated with yohimbine include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders. It should not be used by children, pregnant women or nursing women.
Report health or safety concerns
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.
What Health Canada is doing
Health Canada has seized the products from the retail locations. Should additional retailers or distributors of these products be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.
SOURCE Health Canada
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2016/03/23/20160323_C2277_PDF_EN_649791.pdf
Media Enquiries: Health Canada, (613) 957-2983; Public Enquiries: (613) 957-2991, 1-866 225-0709
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