Robust Extreme: Urgent warning not to take illegal ‘sex power’ pills
Health authorities are warning men who struggle in the bedroom to stay away from a dangerous drug that promises to increase sexual potency.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued an urgent warning over imported ‘Robust Extreme’ capsules, which claim to help men with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
“Robust Extreme capsules pose a serious health risk and should not be taken,” the TGA said on Monday.
‘We tested a product labelled Robust Extreme capsules and found that the capsules contained the undeclared substance o-propylvardenafil, an analogue of vardenafil.
‘Vardenafil can cause serious side effects when combined with other medicines.
‘Vardenafil can interact with nitrates found in some prescription medications and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.
‘Consumers are advised that vardenafil is a prescription only substance in Australia. The supply of Robust Extreme capsules containing undisclosed vardenafil is illegal.
Robust Extreme capsules pose a serious risk to men’s health and should not be taken. Image: Supplied
‘We have not assessed the Robust Extreme capsules for quality, safety or efficacy as required by Australian law, nor have we approved the manufacturing site.’
The TGA has advised consumers to stop taking the fraudulent pills immediately.
‘If you suspect you have experienced a side effect, also known as an adverse event, with this product, please report it to us,’ the TGA said.
Advertisements for the pills claim they contain cistanche salsa extract, which is claimed to increase male sexual potency and be “useful in improving blood circulation to the genitals.”
The TGA says Australians should be cautious about buying medicines from unknown overseas websites.
“Products purchased online may contain unknown and potentially harmful ingredients and may not meet the same quality, safety and efficacy standards as products we have approved for supply in Australia,” the health authority said.
The TGA said it is working with the Australian Border Force to prevent the capsules from entering the Australian market.
‘We will inform ABF so that they can seize and destroy any products intercepted at the border.’