"Herberex" sex enhancement product recalled after Health Canada tests found hidden drug ingredient

Starting date:

December 19, 2014

Posting date:

December 19, 2014

Type of communication:

Advisory

Subcategory:

Drugs, Natural health products

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Undeclared Substance, Important Safety Information

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-43031

• Issue
• Products affected
• What you should do
• Who is affected
• Background
• Report health or safety concerns
• Media enquiries
• Public enquiries
• What Health Canada is doing
• Images

Issue

The sexual enhancement product "Herberex" (NPN 80041180) is being recalled nationwide after Health Canada testing confirmed it contains an undeclared drug: tadalafil. The distributor, Empire Health Distribution of Terrebonne, Quebec, is recalling all lots of this product from retail stores across Canada. Promoted as a natural sex enhancer for men and women, this product may pose serious health risks, especially for people with heart problems.

Products affected

Herberex (NPN 80041180)

What you should do

• Consult with your doctor if you have used this product and have health concerns
• Report any adverse events to Health Canada.

Who is affected

Consumers who have bought or used Herberex.

Background

Tadalafil should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner. Products containing tadalafil or its analogs (very similar substances) should never be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.

Individuals with heart problems including high blood pressure, a history of heart attack, stroke, abnormal heart beat or chest pain are at higher risk of cardiovascular side-effects if they engage in sexual activity. Other possible side-effects of using tadalafil include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision and hearing loss.

Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions involving Herberex.

Report health or safety concerns

• Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
• Visit MedEffect Canada's web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax.

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using social media tools.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
613-957-2983

Public enquiries

613-957-2991
1-866-225-0709

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada is monitoring the recall. Should additional products or issues be identified, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians.

Images

Select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window