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OTTAWA, July 6, 2012 /CNW/ -
The issue:
"Lightning Rod," an unauthorized sexual enhancement product, has been removed from sale from various retail outlets in Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan after testing by Health Canada identified a hidden ingredient (hydroxythiohomosildenafil) that may pose serious risks to the health of Canadians.
Who is affected:
Canadians using "Lightning Rod," particularly individuals with heart problems, those at risk of stroke or those taking any nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine).
"Lightning Rod" was distributed by the company IT Erotics to Hastings Novelty in Vancouver, B.C.; Ultimate Amore in Burnaby, B.C.; O! Behave in Surrey, B.C.; Source Adult in Coquitlam, B.C., Delta, B.C., Maple Ridge B.C. and Vancouver B.C.; Source Adult in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Concourse Pharmacy in North York (Willowdale), Ontario. As of July 4, 2012, Health Canada had not received any adverse reactions reports associated with the use of this product.
What consumers should do:
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What Health Canada is doing:
Health Canada is monitoring the voluntary recall by IT Erotics and has requested that it stop selling unauthorized health products. In the past, IT Erotics has recalled several potentially dangerous dietary supplement products in addition to other potentially dangerous sexual enhancement products that contained hidden ingredient.
As this is not the first time that Health Canada has communicated on products recalled by IT Erotics (see links below under Related Health Canada Web content), Health Canada would like to remind Canadian retailers that the sale of health products are governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its Regulations and the sale of unauthorized products is against the law. Retailers found selling unapproved products may have them seized by Health Canada or by various law enforcement authorities.
Background:
Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM) or a Natural Product Number (NPN) on the label. Some natural health products may have an Exemption Number (EN), which indicates that the product is legally available for sale while Health Canada is reviewing its application for licensing.
Hydroxythiohomosildenafil is an unauthorized substance similar to sildenafil.
Sildenafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Sildenafil should never be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. People with heart problems including high blood pressure, a history of heart attack, stroke, abnormal heart beat or chest pain are at higher risk of cardiovascular side effects if they engage in sexual activity, including if they take sildenafil to help them achieve an erection. Other possible side-effects of using sildenafil include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision and hearing loss.
For more information:
Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.
How to report side effects to health products to Health Canada:
Related Health Canada Web content:
Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using these social media tools: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/sm-ms/index-eng.php
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2012/07/06/20120706_C6779_DOC_EN_16042.pdf
Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
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