Health Canada has issued a warning to consumers not to use the non-prescription product, Nasutra, because “it has been found to contain the undeclared ingredient sildenafil (chemical name for ViagraTM) that could lead to serious health risks, especially for patients with existing medical conditions such as heart problems, those who may be taking heart medications, or those who may be at risk for strokes.”

Although Nasutra is touted as an “all-natural traditional Chinese medicine for sexual enhancement,” it was found to contain sildenafil, “which should only be used under medical supervision.”

Health Canada cautions that sildenafil “has also been associated with serious side-effects including sudden vision loss, penile tissue damage, and urinary tract infection.”

According to the warning, this product “is not authorized for sale in Canada, but it may be available to Canadian consumers through the Internet, personal importation, or other venues.”

Thus, Canadians who may have purchased Nasutra over the Internet or while traveling abroad are warned not to use it, and “to consult with a health care professional if they have concerns about their health due to this product.”

In the past, Nasutra has been found for sale in New Zealand. As a result, the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority tested the product and issued a similar warning advising the public not to purchase or consume the product.

Health Canada also advises Canadians to contact the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate at 1-800-267-9675 if they find Nasutra products in Canada. “Health Canada has notified the Canada Border Services Agency to detain any shipment of Nasutra at the border.”

To report a suspected adverse reaction with these or any other health product, contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada by one of the following methods: Telephone: 866-234-2345; Facsimile: 866-678-6789; CADRMP
Marketed Health Products Directorate, Health Protection Building, Tunney’s Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 7th, 2006 at 9:52 am and is filed under Health Concerns, Legal News.