The agency recommends reading product labels of the highlighted items sold in various convenience stores and at gas stations across the country to be sure they have been approved.
Health Canada is warning the public about unauthorized sexual enhancement products being sold in various convenience stores and at gas stations across the country.
Unauthorized products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means they have not been tested for safety, effectiveness and quality.
The advisory says that these sexual enhancement products contain prescription drugs and controlled substances that can pose serious health risks.
The advisory names over 200 sexual enhancement products sold in different provinces. Either the products’ labels listed harmful ingredients or Health Canada tested the products and found evidence of the harmful substances.
According to Health Canada, users should watch for sexual enhancement products that contain acetaminophen, levodopa, prasterone, sildenafil, tadalafil or yohimbine.
While acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter drug, taking it in large amounts can cause liver damage. Health Canada says abdominal pain might be the first sign of liver damage.
Levodopa, also known as L-dopa, is a prescription drug commonly used in anti-Parkinson’s medications. Prasterone is a controlled substance in Canada, which means that it is illegal to sell without authorization from Health Canada.
Sildenafil and tadalafil are prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. For both, there is an extensive list of health conditions that can make these drugs extremely harmful.
Yohimbine is also a prescription drug. Health Canada says this drug should not be used by people with psychiatric conditions or those with liver, heart or kidney disease.
Severe symptoms are associated with all of these drugs if not taken as prescribed. Health Canada says all these drugs should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
Health Canada advises that the public stop using products listed in the advisory. They also recommend reading product labels to ensure that all ingredients have been authorized by Health Canada. You can check if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
Source: thestar