SINGAPORE - Five sexual enhancement products sold online have been flagged by the Health Sciences Authority for containing potent chemicals which can cause serious health problems.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is investigating the seller, a 33-year-old man, it said on Tuesday.
The Starkrx Performer Enhancer, Maximum Strength Sexual Enhancer, and Forta Plus for Men claims to contain only natural herbal ingredients.
But they were found to contain either prescription substances sildenafil - the generic name of viagra, or nortadalafil (associated with cialis), which may cause blindness, impaired hearing or painful and exceedingly long erections. These erections, if not treated immediately, may lead to permanent impotence. A fourth product, Stark-Rx, also contained dangerous substances.
Sildenafil is also unsuitable for patients with certain heart-related problems, who are on medications containing nitrates. Deaths due to the simultaneous use of sildenafil and nitrates have been reported overseas.
Another product, Stud 100 Male Genital Desensitizer Spray, was found to contain exceedingly high concentrations of lignocaine, an anaesthetic. Such products may cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
These products were detected through HSA's ongoing surveillance of Internet sales activities. The authority's investigations show that some Singapore consumers may have bought the products online.
Although HSA has not received any adverse reaction reports associated with taking these products, this does not mean they are not harmful, it said.
"Consumers should be aware that illegal health products are generally produced under poor manufacturing conditions with no quality control," HSA said.
"The contents of these products can also vary from batch to batch, which can cause serious health hazards."
Anyone taking these products should stop immediately and see a doctor if they feel unwell. Men with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation should also seek proper medical advice instead of self-medicating, HSA added.
To find out more about the dangers of illegal health products, go to www.healthdangers.sg.
