Unauthorized enhancement products seized from Mississauga and Oakville stores
Published November 9, 2023 at 3:09 pm
Health Canada is warning the public about “unauthorized sexual enhancement products” for sale that may pose serious health risks.
A number of the products were seized from stores in Mississauga, Oakville and the GTA.
The products come in a variety of packaging with different names. Many promise “increased sexual drive” and “powerful stamina” on the labels.
Health Canada says these products are either “labelled to contain or have been tested and found to contain dangerous ingredients.”
These are some of the sexual enhancement products seized recently. Photo: Health Canada
Products were seized from Royal Honey Toronto at 1945 Dundas St. E., Mississauga, and from Pink Cherry, 2-1283 North Service Rd. E., Oakville. Several products were also found at a Jug City, 3750 Lawrence Ave., Scarborough.
The products seized are unauthorized and have not been approved by Health Canada, which means that they have not been assessed for safety, effectiveness and quality.
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They could contain ingredients not listed on the label, including prescription drugs, possibly at doses exceeding the maximum recommended amounts.
“Prescription drugs should be taken only under the supervision of a health professional because they may cause serious side effects,” Health Canada says.
And the label may indicate a dangerous ingredient or combination of ingredients.
Many of the products contained tadalafil, a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction that should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional, according to Health Canada.
People with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat, the Health Canada website reads.
Sildenafil was another prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction found in the products. This drug should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.
Others contained yohimbine, a prescription drug that could result in serious adverse reactions, particularly in people with high blood pressure, or heart, kidney or liver disease. Side effects include increased blood pressure and heart rate, anxiety, dizziness, tremors, headache, nausea and sleep disorders.
This product was seized from a Mississauga store, according to Health Canada.
Health Canada says anyone with these products should stop using them and consult their health care professional.
Health products that have been authorized for sale by Health Canada will have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Drug Number (DIN-HM).
People can also check if products have been authorized for sale by searching Health Canada’s Drug Product Database and Licensed Natural Health Product Database.
Businesses should be advised that selling unauthorized health products in Canada is illegal.
For a complete list of unauthorized sexual enhancement products, see the Health Canada page here.
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