"Natural" Drug Health Warning....

Feds soundwarning over erectile drug
Updated: April 26 at 12:45 AM CDT



OTTAWA -- Health Canada is warning consumers not to


use an unauthorized product promoted for the treatment

of erectile dysfunction.

In a release issued Friday, officials said the product,

Vigoureux, may pose serious health risks, as it was found

to contain the prescription drug sildenafil, which is not indicated

on the product label and should only be used under

the supervision of a health-care professional.

Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, including

those with heart problems, taking heart medications or

at risk for strokes, may be at an increased risk of serious

health effects associated with the use of Vigoureux.

Use of sildenafil by patients with heart disease can result

in serious cardiovascular side-effects such as sudden cardiac

death, heart attack, stroke, low blood pressure, chest

pain and abnormal heartbeat.

Additionally, the drug may be associated with other sideeffects

including vision loss, seizure, sudden loss of hearing,

dizziness, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal

congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain.

Sildenafil should not be used by individuals taking any

type of nitrate drug -- such as nitroglycerin -- due to the

risk of developing potentially life-threatening low blood

pressure.

Vigoureux is labelled as being distributed by International

in Montreal and labelled in French only, but officials

said the product may be available at retail outlets across

Canada.

Retailers are advised to remove Vigoureux from their

shelves, and customers should return the product to the

place of purchase. Those who have used it and are concerned

for their health should consult with a health-care

professional.

Health Canada advises consumers not to use any unauthorized

products promoted for the treatment of erectile

dysfunction that are advertised as all-natural, as they may

contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients that may

pose serious risks to health.

Consumers requiring more information can contact

Health Canada's public inquiries line at 613-957-2991, or

toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.

-- The Canadian Press