Alert about counterfeit medicines

Consumers are urged not to buy or use four health products and two proprietary Chinese medicines that contain potentially hazardous ingredients which can cause side effects, the Department of Health says.

The health products are Power 58 Extra, Platinum Power 58 Extra, E nhanix New Extra Men's Formula and Valentino. The two proprietary Chinese medicines are King Power Oral Solution and Stretch Up Capsules.

 Power 58 Extra

 Platinum Power 58 Extra

 Enhanix New Extra Men’s Formula

 King Power Oral Solution

The products contain undeclared ingredients, which are analogues of sildenafil and vardenafil, western medicines used for treating erectile dysfunction.

Distributors of five of the products have been instructed to recall and surrender them to the department.

Side effects associated with both sildenafil citrate and vardenafil hydrochloride include headache, flushing, gastrointestinal disorders, penile tissue damage, visual disturbances, and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. Sildenafil and vardenafil can interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, like nitroglycerin, and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

People who have the products should stop using them immediately, and seek medical attention if they feel unwell.

Sildenafil and vardenafil are prescription medications indicated for treatment of erectile dysfunction. They should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional.

Saudi Food and Drug Authority advise that the above products are not registered and marketed in Saudi Arabia. Whereas, availability of those products in Saudi Arabia could be through either travelers getting those products for personally or online purchasing.