November 2004
The Food and Drug Administration has warned men not to take a product called Actra-Rx as it contains a drug that can lower the blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Advertised on the internet as a 'natural treatment' for erectile dysfunction, Actra-Rx, also known as Yilishent, has been found to contain the compound Sildenafil in prescription level strengths. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.
The FDA is to block imports of the the supplement with the name Yilishen when it is imported from China. Yilishen is then sold as Actra-Rx within the United States. The Food and Drug Administration has warned that taking Actra-Rx can be life threatening as the ingredient Sildenafil is contra-indicated in combination with products containing nitrates. Medication containing nitrates are often prescribed to diabetics, people with heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
The FDA was alerted by a letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that chemical analyses of Actra-Rx had found an average of 55 mg of Sildenafil per capsule of Actra-Rx and Niagra Actra-Rx. The recommended dose for Viagra, produced by Pfizer, is just 50 mg. Although the drug can be taken in doses up to 100 mg, some men are prescribed as little as 25 mg of Viagra.
Because of the significant health risks, any man thinking of taking Viagra for impotence or erectile dysfunction needs to have a medical assessment for their fitness to tolerate the drug. The doctor will be able to judge if Sildenafil is a safe drug to take if you are on any other medications or if other forms of treatment are more appropriate.