TORONTO - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use two supplements sold as natural erectile dysfunction products because they contain a prescription medication.
The products, marketed under the brand names Axcil and Desirin, contain sildenafil.
Health Canada says Axcil and Desirin aren't licensed for sale in Canada and haven't been found on store shelves here, but may have been brought back to the country by travellers to the United States.
Sildenafil, which is contained in Viagra and some other erectile dysfunction medications, should only be taken under the guidance of a health professional.
When used by people with heart disease, sildenafil can lead to serious cardiovascular side-effects such as sudden cardiac death, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat.
Sildenafil can also be associated with temporary vision loss, seizure, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion and abdominal pain.
It should not be used by individuals taking any type of nitrate drug such as nitroglycerine; the combination could lead to life-threatening low blood pressure.
