FDA Warns Against Supplements for Erectile Dysfunction

Men seeking a quick fix for erectile dysfunction, or ED, may be purchasing "dietary supplements" online that promise to improve their sexual potency but that actually could lower their blood pressure to dangerous levels, the FDA said in a July 12 news release.

Specifically, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or consume Zimaxx, Libidus, Neophase, Nasutra, Vigor-25, Actra-Rx or 4EVERON.

The products contain some ingredients or analogues of ingredients in drugs the FDA already has approved -- such as sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, or vardenafil, the active ingredient in Levitra -- but the product labels of the so-called supplements do not list these ingredients, says the news release.

"This deception poses a threat to consumers because the undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels," says the release. "Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease often take nitrates. ED is a common problem in men with these conditions."

The news release advises consumers to consult a health care professional before purchasing a product to treat ED.