20.09.2010 - Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, has examined 120 samples of seized erectile stimulants in its laboratory. Virtually without exception, the products examined had been ordered over the Internet. These erectile stimulants can be a severe threat to health and Swissmedic is thus issuing a specific warning regarding their use.
The 120 samples of 73 different potency products seized by customs since the beginning of the year were examined in the Swissmedic laboratory. The results revealed serious quality defects in 40% of them. None of the products contained information for patients with the required details regarding the precautions necessary, and only a few of them contained rudimentary dosage instructions in foreign languages.
False contents or insufficient / excessive dosage
The results of the analysis in the Swissmedic laboratory were a cause for concern: 48 (40%) of the 120 samples revealed serious defects:
- 21 samples did not contain sufficient active substance
- 6 samples contained extremely excessive doses thereof (up to 180%)
- 8 samples contained false active substances
- 8 so-called "natural" products contained non-declared chemical active substances
- 4 products did not contain the declared active substance but untested derivates whose effects on the human body is unknown (Aminotadalafil, Hydroxy-thio-homosildenafil, Noracetildenafil)
- 14 samples were designated as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra: the names of the three erectile stimulants authorised in Switzerland. All of them, however, were counterfeit products and six of them also contained a false active substance
- The imitation product Kamagra, manufactured in India and illegally exported, has already been copied: a sample that was analysed revealed a different active substance to the one declared.
Heavy metal impurities
Some of the suspect samples were tested for contamination with heavy metals. A product named "Feel good like in a Heaven" contained the undeclared, synthetic active substance Sildenafil in a quantity above the authorised daily maximum dose and exceeded the authorised threshold value for arsenic 1,100 times. In the product "Black Superman", the dosage of Sildenafil was 150% above the maximum. The threshold for arsenic was 80 times above the maximum, and that for mercury 2.5 times.
Herbal potency products
Some 10 samples claimed to contain natural substances only, although 8 of them nevertheless contained undeclared chemical active substances. Caution is however necessary even when taking a non-authorised purely herbal product. One example here is the herbal product Enzyte. In a study, potentially life-threatening effects on the cardiac rhythm were observed. Enzyte was also offered to Swiss customers on an auction site before Swissmedic intervened.
Warning regarding Virilimaxx
The potency product Virilimaxx is manufactured by the North American company Bell Lifestyle Products Inc. and contains the undeclared active substance Aminotadalafil. In Switzerland, the product is no longer available following intervention on the part of the authorities. Because of its potential dangers, Swissmedic specifically warns against taking Virilimaxx that has already been purchased
Worldwide distribution of falsified potency products
Reports by other health authorities regarding falsified erectile stimulants are increasing in frequency. Over the last year, Swissmedic has received 48 reports from the authorities of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and European countries on potency products that all contain undeclared chemical active substances.
Conclusion
Based on the alarming results of the analysis carried out, Swissmedic is once again issuing a specific warning with regard to ordering medicines over the Internet, since they can constitute extremely severe health risks. It should also be pointed out that it is legally prohibited for individuals to import large quantities of medicinal products (i.e. over one month's supply for their own private use). Further information on the risks related to medicinal products obtained over the Internet from abroad can be found in our guidelines on the subject at:
