The MHRA have today issued a warning about four herbal drugs claimed to help cure erectile dysfunction which may cause serious side effects.  The unlicensed products are marketed with the names

• African Black Ant
• Rock Hard Weekend
• Pandora
• The Best

They are variously promoted as "herbal Viagra" or "sexual enhancers" for men and women.  Tests in Belgium and the USA have shown that they contain the prescription only medicine sildenafil - the active component of Viagra.  They can potentially cause life threatening blood pressure problems and may have side effects as serious as heart attack or stroke.  Many other minor side effects can also happen.

Anyone who has obtained any of these should advise the MHRA where they purchased or acquired them and take any they have to a registered pharmacist for destruction.

The MHRA warning can be viewed at http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/Generalsafetyinformationandadvice/Herbalmedicines/Herbalsafetyupdates/Allherbalsafetyupdates/CON120395