FDA news and alerts: Another warning issued on "natural" ED supplements

Consumers should not buy or use two dietary supplements — Blue Steel and Hero — that have been marketed as erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments, the FDA warned in late March 2008. The products contain chemicals that aren’t listed on the label; the chemicals could interact with nitrates found in prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin, lowering blood pressure to dangerous levels.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease often take nitrates. Men with these conditions also have a greater risk of ED, but they are advised to avoid ED drugs because of possible interactions with nitrates. No such warnings are given on the supplements, potentially leading consumers to believe that they pose no serious health risks, the FDA alert noted.

In December 2007, the FDA advised consumers not to buy or use supplements called Super Shangai, Strong Testis, Shangai Ultra, Shangai Ultra X, Lady Shangai, and Shangai Regular.

Anyone who has used these products and experienced side effects should consult his doctor and report the incident to the FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.