Deadly sexual herbal products on the market - NDA warns

HEALTH  DRUG ABUSE

KAMPALA - As the country grapples with COVID 19 cases, the National Drug Authority (NDA) has issued an alert over adulterated and substandard sexual enhancer herbal products being sold on the Ugandan market.

In an alert signed by Dr David Nahamya, the secretary to the authority, Embaluka hardcore drink manufactured by VTX enterprises Company Limited in Mutundwe with a batch number VTX000472, Mega power, manufactured by Kagwa Health Research Centre in Nakawa are not registered and they contain Sildenafil Citrate, a dangerous chemical.

Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a man get and keep an erection. If abused, Sildenafil has serious health consequences like hypertension, blindness and hearing loss.

"National Drug Authority analysed samples of the following aphrodisiac herbal products collected from the market and established that the products were adulterated and substandard. The adulterated herbal products have serious health consequences and are not fit for clinical use," said Nahamya.

He strongly warned the public against self-medication with herbals and purchase of herbal products from unlicensed and unregistered selling outlets and hawkers. 

The public is expected to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard herbal products to NDA.

For Ugandans who want to feel sexually active, doctors say it is only natural for testosterone levels to fall with age.

"After the age of 40 to 45, for most people, the sex drive begins to fall by about 0.5% to about 1% each year. Men can experience a loss of muscle mass and strength, depression, lethargy and a waning interest in sex," observed Dr. Peter Kiwanuka Ssemakula, a gynaecologist in private practice.

He said sexual problems are what anyone would feel when we get older: "maybe a little decrease in energy, a little erectile problem, a little drop in libido. Often, those are normal for people in their 40s, 50s or above."

However, sexual desire and performance, he said, can be revived through exercise and good dieting.

In November 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning on several sexual enhancers, such as Viagra or its generic version, sildenafil, which apparently flow into the private parts during sexual stimulation.

The agency warned that some enhancers might contain tainted chemicals or other dangerous drugs.