Avoid sexual enhancement items not approved by FDA – EcoWaste

MANILA, Philippines — Avoid buying unauthorized sexual enhancement products, the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition warned the public on Sunday, a few days ahead of Valentine’s Day.

EcoWaste pointed out that these products had not passed quality and safety verifications of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

“Marketed as capsules, pills, cream, gel, oil, or food supplements to boost sexual drive and performance, including erectile function, these products can be obtained easily from online sellers, ambulant sidewalk vendors, and stores selling herbal supplements and Chinese medicines,” the group said in a statement. 

“These products, for instance, are openly sold on the sidewalks of Rizal Avenue (between Carriedo Street and Recto Avenue) and Raon pedestrian overpass in Quezon Boulevard in Manila,” it added. 

Citing an article published by the United States FDA —  “Tainted Sexual Enhancement and Energy Products” — EcoWaste said these products contain “hidden ingredients” and components used in prescription drugs.

“These products may cause potentially serious side effects and may interact with medications or dietary supplements a consumer is taking. Consumers should use caution when considering purchasing these types of products,” the group said. 

So far, the FDA has issued public health warnings against “unregistered food supplements for men” — one of which was issued last June 2023.

The FDA found one food supplement positive for tadalafil — “a prescription drug for treating impotence or erectile dysfunction and is prohibited in food supplements as it poses potential health risks to users, especially to individuals with heart, kidney, stomach, bleeding, and blood cell problems, and those with low or high blood pressure.”

READ: FDA alerts public vs unregistered sexual enhancement pills

In line with this, EcoWaste echoed the advice of the national government and the United States to consult a healthcare professional if they want to use or have used such products and have health concerns.