OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Desire, an unauthorized product promoted to enhance male sexual performance as this product may pose serious health risks in certain patients. Lot 0070263 of the product was found to contain the prescription drug phentolamine, which is not indicated on the label. Phentolamine is currently authorized for intravenous use in the prevention and control of high blood pressure in patients with adrenal tumours, and should only be used under the supervision of a health care professional. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, including those with heart problems, those taking heart or blood pressure medications, or those at risk for strokes, may be at an increased risk of serious health effects.
Use of phentolamine by patients with heart disease can potentially result in serious cardiac side-effects such as low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat. Other side-effects may include dizziness, loss of consciousness, prolonged erection, headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain.
Desire is labelled as manufactured by Desire LLC, and distributed by StarChem Labs, of Farmingdale, New York. The product may be available at retail outlets across Canada, and over the Internet.
Health Canada advises retailers to remove Desire from their shelves, and consumers should return the product to the place of purchase. Health Canada is taking steps to confirm that the product has been removed from the Canadian market. Health Canada has not received any reports of adverse reactions associated with this product. Canadians who have used Desire LLC and are concerned about their health should consult with a health care professional.
Health Canada advises consumers not to use Desire or any other unauthorized products promoted to increase sexual performance that are advertised as "all natural", as such products may contain undeclared prescription drugs that may pose serious risks to health. Consumers who are concerned about erectile dysfunction should consult with their health care professional to discuss appropriate and authorized treatments.
Drugs and natural health products that are authorized for sale in Canada have an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Natural Product Number (NPN) or a Drug Identification Number for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN-HM) on the label.
Consumers requiring more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
To report a suspected adverse reaction to this health product, please contact the Canada Vigilance Program of Health Canada by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 1-866-234-2345
Facsimile: 1-866-678-6789
Canada Vigilance Program
Marketed Health Products Directorate
Ottawa, Ontario, AL 0701C
K1A 0K9
E-mail: CanadaVigilance@hc-sc.gc.ca
The Canada Vigilance adverse reaction reporting form, including a version that can be completed and submitted online, is located in the MedEffect area of the Health Canada Web site.
Media Inquiries:
Health Canada
(613) 613-957-2983
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709
