MANILA: Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has warned the public about sexual enhancement and energy products in sidewalk stalls, Chinese drug stores and online sellers that pose serious health risks to men, as the country celebrates Father’s Day.
In a statement on Sunday (June 15), the group pointed out that these products lack authorisation for sale and may contain potent ingredients that could have serious side effects, according to health authorities in the Philippines, as well as the United States and Canada.
“Many products that claim to help with sexual enhancement or treat sexual dysfunction – such as male enhancement supplements, erectile dysfunction treatments, male energy pills, and stamina pills – are likely to be contaminated with dangerous hidden ingredients. These contaminated products are a type of medication health fraud,” the EcoWaste said, citing the US Food and Drug Administration.
“These products are sometimes falsely advertised as dietary supplements, food and/or all-natural treatments. They often have multiple positive reviews and/or are being shared through social media. These products pose serious health risks and are not guaranteed to work. They can lead to severe health issues and hospitalisation,” it added.
EcoWaste said some of the ingredients of the product should only be consumed under the supervision of a healthcare professional, some of the products also contain contents not included in label, “such as prescription drugs sildenafil and/or tadalafil possibly at doses exceeding maximum recommended amounts.”
Citing the FDA, the group explained that “sildenafil citrate is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in males and is prohibited in food supplements due to potential health risks, particularly for persons who have had a stroke, those with cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and low blood pressure.”
“Possible side effects of consuming sexual enhancement or energy products with sildenafil citrate include changes in vision or sudden vision loss, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection, and priapism,” it added, quoting the FDA said.
Similarly, tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat male sexual problems but poses side effects to individuals who have had a stroke, as well as blood, heart, kidney and stomach ulcer problems.
In line with this, the group advised the public to avoid buying unregistered products and instead consult a health professional before buying or consuming such products. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
