Liquid XXX –dietary supplement with vitamins as liquid concentrate
20.04.2018
Swissmedic warns against taking the dietary supplement "Liquid XXX – dietary supplement with vitamins as liquid concentrate"
The product is sold over the Internet and promoted with statements such as "more staying power", "improved performance", "with natural herbs" and "for men". According to the labelling, the product is supposed to be a dietary supplement.
The product was investigated following reports of severe side effects, and the undeclared substance hydroxythiohomosildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase, was identified. The best-known representative of such compounds is sildenafil, a constituent of the product Viagra®, which is authorised for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and available only on prescription. Such substances can cause numerous side effects, including headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal and visual problems, and can seriously impair the health of patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Life-threatening interactions may occur if taken at the same time as other heart medicines.
The risk is compounded with Liquid XXX, since buyers are not informed of the fact that the so-called dietary supplement contains prescription-only medicinal substances associated with serious side effects.
In agreement with the cantonal authorities, Swissmedic has introduced measures to confiscate the product at dispensing points and urgently warns people not to consume Liquid XXX. As a general rule, medicines or dietary supplements that are promoted with claims of a medical effect should not be procured from unknown sources, particularly over the Internet.