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Warning issued against sex drug

A Health Ministry warning has been issued against a sexual enhancement drug which has been linked to depression and suicidal tendencies.

Reports have surfaced that ingredients in the American drug, which had only been marketed online, lead to adverse mental health effects as well as posing a significant health risk to people with heart disease, diabetes or those who are obese.

Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing Dr Amin Al Amiri warned against the use of “internet pharmacies” which he said, could be selling drugs that have not been approved by health authorities.

While writing to concerned heads of departments, Dr Amiri said the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had issued a warning against the use of a sexual enhancement drug called Volcano Male Enhancement Liquid and Capsules, manufactured by an American company.

He said that the medicinal ingredients — Desmethyl Carbodenafil and Dimethylsildenafil — that have been used in the medicine may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure and pose a significant risk to patients with heart disease and diabetic and obese people who take drugs containing nitrates. Another substance, Dapoxetine, also used in the medicine can cause depression and increase the risk of suicidal thinking.

Dr Amiri also asked the concerned authorities to withdraw the drug from the market in case it was being supplied here. The product is not registered with the Registration and Drug Control Department at the ministry, he said.

“There is no mechanism to check the authenticity of online pharmacies,” he said.

“Somebody sitting somewhere can fool people by claiming they are selling genuine drugs. Such online pharmacies are not regulated well even in the West...so side-effects from such medicines can be massive,” he added.

According to the FDA website, Volcano Male Enhancement Liquid and Capsules were marketed as a dietary supplement for male sexual enhancement to increase desire and sexual performance from January to July 2013. The products were distributed through the internet worldwide, the website said.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com