Medsafe, New Zealand’s government medicines regulator, has recalled four supposed ‘treatments’ for male and female sexual dysfunction with a warning issued under Section 98 of the Medicines Act 1981. All four products were tested by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research and were shown to have traces of prescription drugs used in Viagra, Cialis and Letriva. The drugs, including, So Hard For Men, Pulse 8 for Women, The Rock and Tonic 66 have been recalled. The Acting Director-General of Medsafe has stated that since July 2009, they have recalled 29 sexual performance enhancers which have been mixed with prescription medications.
The consequences of taking supplements like these could be very damaging to certain patients, for example, those already treating a heart condition, and the results could even be fatal. Erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction treatments may only be prescribed to those who have had a consultation with a doctor, where medical history is seriously considered not to increase the risk of present or future medical conditions. Tadalafil and sildenafil, used in prescription medications Cialis and Viagra respectively were among the chemicals discovered. Hydroxyhomosildenafil was also traced, however this chemicals’ safety has not even been evaluated.
The products were being sold over the counter in sex shops and online, making the ‘treatments’ accessible and probably less expensive. Having a consultation with your GP or online with a GMC regulated doctor is the safest options for treating erectile dysfunction.