OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Libidus, an unauthorized product promoted on its manufacturer's website for treating erectile dysfunction, because it may pose serious health risks.
Libidus has been found to contain the undeclared prescription drug sildenafil, which should be used only under supervision by a health professional, Health Canada said Thursday.
"Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, including those with heart problems, those taking heart medications or those at risk for strokes, may be at an increased risk of serious health effects associated with the use of this product."
Use of sildenafil by consumers with heart disease can result in sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat, the federal department warned.
As well, the drug may cause such side-effects as vision loss, seizure, sudden decrease or loss of hearing, dizziness, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain.
Sildenafil, the generic name for Viagra, should not be used by individuals taking any type of nitrate drug (for example, nitroglycerin) due to the risk of developing potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.
Libidus is labelled as manufactured by Yurtland Natural Health and is distributed by NorthRegentRX of Winnipeg, which has been ordered to recall the product. Libidus may be available at retail outlets across Canada and over the Internet.
A previous Health Canada warning was issued in 2006 for Libidus, which was then manufactured in Malaysia and found to be adulterated with the prescription drug vardenafil, the generic name for the erectile dysfunction drug Levitra.
Retailers should remove Libidus from their shelves and consumers should return the product to place of purchase, said Health Canada, which is taking steps to confirm that the product has been removed from the Canadian market.
Consumers who have used Libidus and are concerned about their health should consult their health-care professional.
Health Canada advises consumers not to use Libidus or any other unauthorized products promoted for the treatment of erectile dysfunction that are advertised as "all natural," as such products may contain undeclared prescription ingredients that may pose serious health risks.
Canadians concerned about erectile dysfunction should consult with their health provider to discuss appropriate and authorized treatments.
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Drug Identification Number for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN-HM) on the label.
