Your regular herbal supplements sourced online may contain Viagra, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Admin issues warning

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued safety alerts on January 29 for seven online herbal supplements, including Tantra Jelly, Bullblood tablets, and Throb herbal supplements. Testing revealed the presence of prescription-only substances sildenafil and tadalafil, commonly known as Viagra and Cialis. These supplements, not marketed as containing these substances, pose health risks due to potential side effects and interactions with medications. In a statement to Guardian Australia, the TGA emphasised that the products were discovered during an ongoing investigation and were seized as potentially counterfeit, a confirmation supported by laboratory testing. The origin of these products remains undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Consumers are strongly cautioned against purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites, as these products may contain undisclosed and harmful ingredients. The TGA emphasises that online products may not adhere to the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy approved for supply in Australia. The TGA discourages self-medication with erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines, particularly those claiming to be herbal or natural. They warn against buying such products online, especially without a valid doctor’s prescription, as they may be counterfeit and contain hidden substances that could lead to serious adverse reactions. President of the Australian Medical Association, Prof Steve Robson, advises extreme caution when sourcing herbal supplements, highlighting the potential harm and uncertainty regarding their contents. He emphasises the risks associated with purchasing supplements online from international sources and recommends using local pharmacies for online medication purchases. A 2020 review in Drug Testing and Analysis revealed an alarming trend of intentional adulteration of dietary supplements with synthetic pharmaceuticals. Between 2010 and 2019, nearly half of reported adulterants were found in erectile dysfunction supplements, with 81% containing sildenafil or its analogues. The TGA urges consumers who purchased the identified supplements to cease use immediately. Remaining products should be taken to a local pharmacy for safe disposal, and any health concerns should be reported to a medical professional. Enforcement actions by the TGA have led to the seizure of products containing scheduled substances from both online and brick-and-mortar retail outlets. In a previous case, Brisbane-based Performance Online Services Pty Ltd faced infringement notices totaling $53,280 for alleged violations related to counterfeit erectile dysfunction medicines. Consumers are advised to check the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to ensure the supplements or medicines they purchase are listed. Products not on the ARTG may contain harmful ingredients and may not meet Australian standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. Any concerning side-effects should be reported to the TGA online or by calling 1800 020 653.