FDA Warns Against China-Made, Puerto Rico-Distributed Food Supplements Marketed As Sexual Enhancers

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Consumers should not use China-made food supplements promoted as male sexual enhancers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned.

In an advisory, the FDA said the dietary supplements have been tested and found to contain illegal ingredients supposedly to treat erectile dysfunction and pose risks to users.

The agency advised consumers not to patronize Shangai Chaojimengnan supplements packaged and distributed by Shangai Distributor Inc. of Puerto Rico. These are sold under the names Super Shangai, Strong Testis, Shangai Ultra, Shangai Ultra X, Lady Shangai and Shangai Regular.

FDA deputy commissioner for scientific and medical programs Janet Woodcock said the products put consumers at considerable risk because they contain "undeclared active ingredients in FDA approved drugs that require a prescription to obtain."

"An unsuspecting consumer with underlying medical issues may buy and take these products without knowing that they can cause serious drug interactions," she said.

Product testing indicated that some of the so-called supplements contain sildenafil, Viagra's active ingredient, or a compound that mimics sildenafil's chemical structure.

If taken without doctor's advice, the Chinese products could dangerously lower a user's blood pressure, according to the FDA.

The FDA added although labeled as dietary supplements, these products do not really qualify as dietary supplements.

FDA directed users to discontinue usage and to immediately consult their doctors.