Erectile dysfunction drugs recalled

Medsafe has ordered the immediate recall of four erectile dysfunction or sexual enhancement products because of a serious health risk.

The Government's medicines regulator said the products - So Hard for Men, Pulse8 for Women, The Rock and Tonic 66 - contained undeclared prescription medicines have been recalled by Medsafe.

Acting Director-General of Health Andrew Bridgman said consumers should stop using the products as they could caused significant health risks.

His warning comes after Medsafe investigations found the products contained undeclared prescription medicines tadalafil, sildenafil, and hydroxyhomosildenafil.

Both taladalafil, used in erectile dysfunction medicine Cialis, and sildenafil, used in Viagra, were known to interfere with some heart medications. It could be harmful and even fatal for some people.

It said hydroxyhomosildenafil's safety and efficacy have not been established.

"Consumers should immediately stop taking these products and seek medical advice if they have felt unwell when taking any of these products or if they are also taking other medicines," Mr Bridgman said.

The four products were being sold in New Zealand by various retailers, including adult shops, and over the internet.

Mr Bridgman said since July 2009 Medsafe had found 29 supplements to enhance sexual performance that had been adulterated with similar prescription medicines.

In May, Medsafe also recalled four similar products - Stallion, Volcanic, Tomcat Ali and SZM Formula for Men - which were found to contain tadalafil.

"I advise consumers to treat with extreme caution products purportedly for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or to improve sexual performance offered for sale without a prescription. They should seek medical advice before using them," said Mr Bridgman.

- NZPA