Health Canada is making headlines this morning after it seized sexual enhancement supplements being sold at retailers across Toronto.
The so-called “poppers” and other sexual health supplements contain illegal, dangerous substances like alkyl nitrites that can be dangerous if inhaled or ingested.
The seized products were all advertised as a way to boost sexual performance.
In addition to alkyl nitrites, the seized supplements also contain potentially dangerous ingredients like DHEA, pregnenolone, or yohimbe/yohimbine.
Health Canada announced the news and released the names of the supplements involved on January 24. The organization warned consumers to stop using the products and consult with your health care professional if you have used any of the products and have health concerns.
Which Supplements Were Seized?
Health Canada listed the 12+ supplements that were seized, along with the dangerous ingredients inside those supplements:
- Rush (Alkyl nitrite)
- Ram (Alkyl nitrite)
- The Original Jungle Juice Platinum (Isobutyl nitrite)
- 7K (Yohimbe)
- Extenze Male Supplement (DHEA, pregnenolone, and yohimbine)
- Gun Oil High Caliber Performance (DHEA and yohimbine)
- Herbal Viva (Yohimbe)
- Herbal Vivid (Yohimbe)
- LipsTenZen (Yohimbe)
- Max Desire (Yohimbe)
- Max Stamina (Yohimbe)
- Passion Classic (Yohimbe)
- Red Lips Premium 1 Capsule (Yohimbe)
- Rock On (DHEA)
- Rodeo Fantasy (Yohimbe)
- Wet XXX (Yohimbe)
Why Are These Ingredients Dangerous?
All of the ingredients listed above have been liked with serious health risks. In their statement announcing the seizure, Health Canada also explained why the ingredients were thought to be dangerous.
Overall, Health Canada claims that using the products listed above “can lead to serious medical complications and may be fatal”, and those with certain medical conditions, or those on certain medications, are particularly prone to risk.
Here’s a breakdown of Health Canada’s reason behind the seizure of each individual ingredient:
DHEA: This is labeled as a controlled drug that can cause higher than normal levels of female and male hormones in the body, thereby increasing the risk of prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, along with other hormone-sensitive cancers. It has also been linked to severe cardiovascular side effects, as well as changes in fertility and sperm production. DHEA can be particularly dangerous for individuals with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clotting disorders, liver diseases, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pregnenolone: This is a prescription drug that, like DHEA, can lead to higher than normal levels of female and male hormones in your body, thereby increasing the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. Again, it should not be used by those who are pregnant or breast-feeding. It’s also been shown to be particularly problematic in individuals who suffer from epileptic seizures or are taking anti-seizure medication.
Yohimbine: Yohimbine is a prescription drug designed to be used under the supervision of a health care professional. It’s often labeled as yohimbine hydrochloride or yohimbe bark extract. Its use can lead to serious side effects, including problems with high blood pressure or heart, kidney, and liver disease.
What Should You Do?
If you used any of the supplements listed above, then talk to your doctor and report any adverse side effects you experienced.
Health Canada only recalled the sexual enhancement drugs from one specific location thus far. They have not announced any further seizures. However, they did publish a list of retailers that sell the supplements listed above.
For now, Health Canada recommends that you stop using these products. Additionally, check labeling carefully – especially on sexual health supplements – for any of the potentially harmful ingredients listed above.
