Deadly erectile dysfunction drugs for women

Authorities raided a local direct-selling firm’s outlets yesterday for selling to women a health supplement that contains a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Health Ministry enforcement officers seized RM1 million worth of health supplements marketed under the brand names “Extremen” and “Extrewomen”.

The officers conducted the nationwide raids simultaneously, including at the firm’s headquarters in Taman Shamelin, Cheras, here and a factory in Malacca.

Ministry pharmaceutical enforcement division director Hatta Ahmad said more than 200 officers were involved in the raids on more than 20 locations following a month of surveillance.

“Prior to the raids, samples of the product, which were sold in powder form, were sent to the Chemistry Department and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for tests.

“Results revealed that Extrewomen contained tadalafil while Extremen contained hydroxythiohomosildenafil, an analogue of sildenafil or Viagra.” Tadalafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction but can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription, similar to Viagra. Those suffering diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease are not allowed to consume tadalafil as it can have massive repercussions.

The analogue hydroxyhomosildenafil is illegal in Malaysia as it causes health problems to those who consume it.

Hatta said: “I nvestigations revealed that users did not realise that there was tadalafil inside the product because the manufacturers claimed the product only contained natural herbs and collagen, a group of naturally-occurring proteins.

“But Extrewomen will make women feel amorous and randy. They will not realise that it is due to the tadalafil in the product.” He took the direct-selling company to task for selling the product as tadalafil was a controlled substance.

The side effects include headaches, stomach aches, blurred vision or, in extreme cases, sudden death.

The amount of tadalafil in the product seized is considered three times stronger than taking a Viagra pill.

Investigations revealed that the products had been distributed nationwide besides being exported to Indonesia, based on invoices found at the headquarters.