FDA to consumers: Don't take supplements for ED, sexual enhancement

FDA has notified consumers and healthcare professionals not to buy or use Super Shangai, Strong Testis, Shangai Ultra, Shangai Ultra X, Lady Shangai, and Shangai Regular (also known as Shangai Chaojmengnan) products. The products are marketed as dietary supplements and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) and for sexual enhancement. The products do not qualify as dietary supplements because they contain undeclared active ingredients (sildenafil or an analog of sildenafil) of FDA-approved prescription drugs for ED. The products are thus drugs that are illegal because they lack FDA approval. Additionally, because the manufacturing source of the active ingredients in these products is unknown, consumers should be aware that the safety, efficacy, and purity of the ingredients cannot be validated. The undeclared ingredients in the referenced products may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerine) and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take products containing nitrates. Consumers who have these products should discontinue using them and consult their healthcare professional. For more information, visit