Natural health products contain hidden ingredients: May pose serious risk to health

Starting date:

July 20, 2013

Posting date:

July 20, 2013

Type of communication:

Advisory

Subcategory:

Natural health products

Source of recall:

Health Canada

Issue:

Undeclared Substance

Audience:

General Public

Identification number:

RA-34719

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

Issue

Three natural health products bearing the Natural Health Product Number NPN 80041194 and one unauthorized natural health product were tested by Health Canada and found to contain hidden ingredients (sildenafil analogs) that may pose serious risks to the health of Canadians. The products (called Innerget Instant Erection, Innerget Prolonged Performance, Innerget Everlasting Strength and Megaton 2080) were being sold by Lion King Health Enterprises Group Ltd., at 1328-8368 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC.

These products are promoted as male sexual stimulants and contain hidden prescription medications. Approved drugs that contain these ingredients can only be sold with a prescription and by a pharmacy. The use of these products can put your health at serious risk.

What you should do

• Consult your healthcare practitioner with any questions or concerns regarding use of these products.
• Report any adverse reaction potentially related to these products to Health Canada.
• Contact Health Canada’s toll-free line at 1-800-267-9675 with questions or complaints about these products.

Who is affected

Canadians who have purchased or used these products, particularly people with heart problems.

Background

Sildenafil and its analogs are prescription medications that should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Products containing sildenafil or tadalafil should never be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as they 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, including if they use sildenafil or tadalafil to help them achieve an erection. Other possible side-effects of using sildenafil or tadalafil include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision and hearing loss.

Products affected:

1. Innerget Instant Erection (NPN#80041194)
2. Innerget Prolonged Performance (NPN#80041194)
3. Innerget Everlasting Strength (NPN#80041194)
4. Megaton 2080 (Unauthorized)

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.

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983

Public enquiries

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

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada is following up with the company to verify that the sale of these products is stopped.  Should the company not stop selling these products that pose risks to health, Canadians will be informed and Health Canada will take appropriate action.

Images

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