The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against three companies selling sex enhancement products marketed as ‘natural,’ but which when tested were found to contain prescription-strength erectile dysfunction drugs.
Federal officials are advising the general public against purchasing or using the products which carry the sexually suggestive names ‘Ninja Mojo’, ‘Love Rider’ and ‘Affirm XL.’
The FDA issued the warning on Wednesday and the manufactures have been instructed to stop selling the products as currently formulated.
This is the second such warning from the FDA in a matter of weeks.
Last month it warned about the dangers of using three other ‘natural’ alternatives – ‘Rock-It Man’, ‘Libido Sexual Enhancer’ and ‘Stiff Days.’
All three were found to virtual copies of prescription drugs such as Viagra and Cialis.
The drugs can cause serious problems in men with heart disease and other problems if taken with other prescription drugs.
‘Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away,’ said the FDA in its warning notice.
‘Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a health care professional as soon as possible.’
In the case of Affirm XL, FDA tests found it to contain the sulfoaildenafil, which is structurally similar to the active ingredient in Viagra.
On its website, Affirm XL doesn’t list sulfoaildenafil as an ingredient in its products.
‘This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates, which are found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin. This interaction may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
‘Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take prescription drugs that contain nitrates,’ said the FDA.
When the FDA tested Rock-It Man, the found it contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil, which is also structurally similar to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.
An FDA spokesperson told NBC News that the companies making these products usually comply when they’ve been asked by the FDA to stop marketing them as is ‘natural’.
The agency can take further action, including seizure, if needed, she said.
The spokesperson said there is a growing trend for sex and dietary supplements or conventional foods to contain hidden drugs and chemicals.
The FDA can regulate products categorized as drugs, but Congress has passed legislation exempting supplements such as vitamins from any FDA regulation.
