A supposedly “all natural” supplement may contain Viagra which may turn this FDA warning into a class action pharmaceutical litigation.
August 8, 2014. “O.M.G.” is a sexual health supplement that can be found online and in some retail shops. According to the FDA website it’s even available on the Sears website. The FDA has just issued a warning that O.M.G., which does indeed stand for Oh My God!, contains sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra. The product is marketed as “all natural” and “no side effects”, claims that run contrary to marketing a supplement that contains an undeclared ingredient that could have dangerous interactions when consumed with nitrate based prescriptions.
Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction by helping to dilate blood vessels. When used in combination with some prescription drugs, like nitroglycerin, it can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. The FDA strongly urges anyone using the supplement to stop immediately and destroy all remaining supplies.
Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates, according to the FDA. They may not realize the potential interaction of mixing prescriptions with over-the-counter dietary supplements, like O.M.G.
This is another example of the dangers of an unregulated supplement industry where false claims and/or hidden ingredients may lead to dangerous side effects and, potentially, death.
The FDA’s warning is worth sharing: “This notification is to inform the public of a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building, and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories. “
Generic Viagra, sildenafil, is approved by the FDA, but should be taken under the supervision of a health care professional who knows about current medications and can look out for possible drug interactions.
Originally posted in The Legal Examiner by Greg Webb.
