The MHRA is advising consumers not to buy 'herbal' remedies sold as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Evidence from around the world suggests that such products are often adulterated with random quantities of pharmaceutical substances. Risks can include serious harm and even death.
The only authorised products to treat erectile dysfunction are sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil which must be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed from a pharmacy. Any product obtained by other means is considered illegal. Consumers are taking major risks if they purchase these products.
Herbal remedies promoted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are often sold via mail order, the internet or through traditional herbal medicine outlets. Many products falsely claim to be 100% natural. These products typically have suggestive names and are often marketed as 'herbal Viagra' or 'traditional herbal supplements for men'.
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24 Feb 2012 | Advice to consumers not to use unlicensed herbal medicines used for erectile dysfunction
We are advising consumers not to use the various unlicensed herbal medicines used for erectile dysfunction specified in this alert due to concerns about possible side effects.
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01 Jul 2011 | Manufacturer recall issued after Canadian authorities issue warning about Durazest for Men and Once More
The Canadian authorities are advising consumers not to use the herbal products specified in this warning after laboratory test identified the presence of nortadalfil, a chemical similar to tadalafil, a Prescription Only Medicine used in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in one lot of each product.
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01 Jul 2011 | Manufacturer recall issued after Best Sexual Enhancer 150mg capsules found to contain an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil
The US authorities are advising consumers not to use the herbal product specified in this warning.
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01 Jul 2011 | Swiss authorities issue warning after Goji More 10g sachets were found to contain an analogue of Prescription Only Medicine sildenafil
The Swiss authorities are advising consumers not to use the herbal product specified in this warning.
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27 Jun 2011 | Advice to consumers not to use Africa Black Ant, Rock Hard Weekend, Pandora and The Best, marketed for erectile dysfunction
The MHRA is advising consumers not to use the herbal products specified in this warning due to concerns about possible side effects.
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16 Sep 2010 | Warnings received from overseas medicines agencies
In recent months the Agency has received a number of alerts from overseas medicine regulators about herbal medicinal products which carry a public health risk. While there is no evidence that these products are available on the UK market, consumers are advised to be cautious.
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14 Jul 2009 | Singapore Health Sciences Authority find tadalafil, a potent prescription medicine, in the capsule shells of a traditional herbal supplement for men
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore has detected a potent prescription only medicine 'tadalafil' impregnated in the capsule shells of a traditional herbal supplement, 'XP Tongkat Ali Supreme'.
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23 Mar 2009 | Unlicensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) product found with dangerously high levels of undeclared prescription pharmaceuticals
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shops have been found to have in stock a 'herbal' product containing undeclared pharmaceuticals at four times the level found in legally prescribed medicine.
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01 Jun 2008 | Herbal products marketed for erectile dysfunction
The MHRA has received several warnings from various overseas regulatory authorities about seven products that are being marketed as dietary supplements or “herbal Viagra” for erectile dysfunction (Power 1 Walnut, China Vigour, Herb Vigour, Natural Vigour, VPXL No. 1 Dietary Supplement for Men, Blue Steel, and Hero).
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17 Mar 2008 | Hong Kong issues warning about capsules for the treatment of sexual dysfunction
We have received a warning from the Department of Health in Hong Kong about a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) claiming to treat male impotence.
