Unauthorized sexual enhancement products may pose serious health risks

Levodopa, also known as L-dopa, is a prescription drug that is combined with other drug ingredients in anti-Parkinson's medications. It should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Levodopa may interact with drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, and should not be used by breastfeeding or pregnant individuals. Among other contraindications or precautions, it should not be taken by people with narrow angle glaucoma, with untreated heart, liver, blood, kidney, lung (bronchial asthma) or hormonal diseases, with a history of melanoma or suspicious skin lesions, or those recently treated with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs. Side effects requiring medical attention include: sudden onset of sleep; uncontrollable and abnormal movements of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, neck, arms, hands, or legs; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; an irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest; hallucinations; feeling lightheaded when standing quickly; or unusual changes in mood or behaviour.

Prasterone is a controlled substance in Canada. It is approved as a prescription steroid hormone for vaginal insertion for the treatment of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy, a medical condition characterized by the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls that may occur at menopause. It is illegal to sell controlled substances without proper authorization from Health Canada. Prasterone has not been approved in Canada for any other use, or in an oral (i.e., taken by mouth) format. Prasterone is transformed in the body into androgen and estrogen hormones. Androgens may increase the risk of liver damage, heart attack, stroke, reduced fertility, hardening of the arteries, the development of male characteristics in women (e.g., increased facial hair), and enlargement or tenderness of male breasts or nipples. Estrogens may increase the risk of high blood pressure, headache, breast and uterine cancer, and blood clots. People with a history of breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use prasterone. Prasterone risks increase with the dose. The long-term health consequences of prasterone use are unknown.

Sildenafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not 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 are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Desmethyl carbodenafil and dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil, and hydroxythiohomosildenafil are unauthorized substances that are similar to sildenafil and may pose similar health risks.

Tadalafil is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. It should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine) since it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat. Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss. Nortadalafil is an unauthorized substance that is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks. Tadalafil taken in combination with caffeine may increase the risk of serious adverse reactions, including, but not limited to heart attack, stroke, blood pressure changes, abnormal or irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness.

Previous recalls or alerts

• Previous recalls and alerts for unauthorized sexual enhancement products