FDA identifies three online products masquerading as dietary supplements

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday identified three online products touting "natural" intimacy enhancement that consumers should avoid because they each contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients.



The three products include Boost ultra sexual enhancement formula, VMaxx Rx and Firminite.



FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that Boost ultra sexual enhancement formula contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, an FDA-approved prescription drug used for treatment of erectile dysfunction. VMaxx Rx contained sulfoaildenafil, an analog of sildenafil. Firminite contained tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, another remedy prescribed for the treatment of erectile dsyfunction.



These undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, the FDA said. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease often take nitrates, the agency added.



Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away. Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible, the FDA noted.



According to the agency, these notifications are part of an initiative to inform the public of a growing trend of products illegally marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods that actually contain hidden drugs and/or chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building, and are often misrepresented as being “all natural,” the agency said.

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