The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that two dietary supplements have been voluntarily recalled due to containing sildenafil, despite the Viagra component not appearing on their list of ingredients.
This poses a potentially deadly ‘interaction’ risk to unaware consumers, hence the recall, and continues a disturbing trend of “hidden ingredients” in health products.
Overwhelming Testing Capacity
The FDA, who are responsible for testing the safety and efficacy of new drugs, said that they are not able to test all new supplements reaching the market during an earlier crisis.
Their statement read: “FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients.”
Blood Pressure Interaction
The primary danger of sildenafil is in its interaction with other medications, in particular those prescribed for those with high blood pressure.
If the 2 drugs meet in the body, their interaction can be dangerous, and even lead to death in severe cases.
Voluntary Recall
The dangers have meant that the 2 companies involved have responded by issuing a recall.
California-based supplement companies, Veata LLC and Boulla LLC, have both told customers to stop using their product, with Veata LLC saying they can arrange for product returns.
Blood Pressure Danger
The FDA took the opportunity to educate consumers on the dangers of the interaction between sildenafil and prescription blood pressure medicines.
They said: “Consumption of products with undeclared sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may cause a significant drop in blood pressure that may be life-threatening. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.”
Sildenafil Uses
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in popular Viagra brands that improves sexual function, but is also sometimes taken as a blood pressure medication.
It is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that works by stimulating blood flow/relaxing muscles in the blood vessels.
Side Effects
However, as with almost all drugs, sildenafil also has a number of side effects, both minor and more severe.
It can cause nosebleeds, headaches, intestinal symptoms, trouble sleeping or even breathing, vision problems, or heart problems, among other side effects.
Products Recalled
The 2 nutritional products containing the undeclared substance were Endurance Pro Energy Boost and Boom Max.
The products are marketed as a supplement that can boost male performance and increase vitality.
Secret Recipe
The 2 products are not the only supplement that has been recalled in recent weeks due to a ‘hidden ingredient.’
A herbal supplement, Infla-650, intended for pain relief, was also recalled as it contained 3 ‘hidden drugs’ that were not signalled on its packaging.
Disturbing Trend
Consumers will hope that the recalls do not resemble the beginning of an unwelcome ‘hidden drug’ trend.
Regardless, the FDA ask that consumers consider the risks when they purchase untested supplements, saying: “Consumers should exercise caution.”
