Viagra News (2006)

Date: May 15, 2006

There are four herbal medicines imported from Asia were tested positive on erectile dysfunction and weight loss prescription medicines which were sold and advertised as “Herbal Viagra”. This was the result of a routine investigation done by Ministry of Health Medicines Safety Authority, Medsafe. The so called herbal products, which are not allowed to supply in New Zealand, may put health at risk. These have undeclared prescription medicines, which is a breach of the Medicine Act 1981.

This issue is not only against law but also have a serious possibility of harm as prescription drugs are used by consumers without medical supervision. According to Acting Director-General of Health, Debbie Chin, when an individual has any doubt regarding the ingredients in the medicine, he should seek advice from medical practitioner as the ingredients might be harmful for that individual’s physical condition. The investigators discovered that the herbal Viagra and other three so-called herbal medicines contained Sildenafil and tadalafil. These products had VG symbol on the label and named Meng Rong and Yixinjiaonang. Sildenafil is the main ingredient of Viagra and tadalafil is of Cialis. There was an unnamed tablet which had the marking VG on it contained Sildenafil. The fourth product “Reduce Weight” contained sibutramine which is used to treat obesity.

Sildenafil and tadalafil react with heart medications which may be life-threatening and in no situation should be taken without prescription. Sibutramine increases blood pressure and heart rate and harmful to people with glaucoma, mental illness and severe liver or kidney problems and should not be taken with depressants and migraine medications. Mrs. Chin urges people to stop using so-called herbal medicines without prescription, as consumer safety is put at risk and said that Medsafe is actively investigating against the companies and individuals who found to be in breach of the law and taking regulatory actions against them and against the distribution of so–called herbal products.

Source: http://www.scoop.co.nz/