FDA warns that two 'dietary' supplements contain sildenafil

The FDA has issued a consumer alert for and has stopped the importation of the dietary supplements Actra-Rx and Yilishen, because they contain prescription-strength quantities of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.

Actra-Rx and Yilishen are sold online as treatments for erectile dysfunction and the enhancement of sexual performance in men.

An interaction between sildenafil and certain prescription drugs containing nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) or nitrates found in illicit substances (such as amyl nitrate) may cause significant lowering of blood pressure to an unsafe level, the FDA said.