THE Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has suspended the sale of an ostensibly herbal aphrosidiac found to be spiked with a prescription impotency drug.
It has also ordered a recall of all XP Tongkat Ali Supreme stocks by its distributor here, CTI Biotechnology.
The product is sold in retail shops, such as pharmacies, and over the Internet.
It is labelled as containing 'tongkat ali', a herb traditionally believed to enhance men's sexual performance, and as being '100 per cent natural'.
Acting on a tip-off, the HSA had tested samples of the product.
Its tests revealed that the shells of capsules of XP Tongkat Ali Supreme contained tadalafil, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Cialis.
The drug should only be used under a doctor's supervision, the HSA said.
This is because it can cause serious adverse reactions, such as heart attacks and strokes, especially in those with heart problems or who are taking nitrate drugs.
Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
