Health Update

The Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) has issued an advisory for the recall of the herbal supplement ‘Penrex’ after it was found to contain a component dangerous to persons with heart ailments.

The BFAD test on ‘Penrex’ herbal supplement for men revealed it contains Sildenafil Citrate, a known active ingredient prescribed for patients with erectile dysfunction.

BFAD, in its advisory, aid that Penrex is classified as herbal supplement, and should therefore not contain any active ingredient for drug products.

“It must be emphasized that consumers, especially with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart diseases, may be put considerable risk when using the above product in question since the use f products containing the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate may interact with the active ingredients found in other prescription drugs. Thus, products containing the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate can only be bought upon a doctor’s advice and sold and dispensed only through a prescription issued by a licensed physician,” BFAD Director Leticia Barbara B. Gutierrez said in the advisory.

BFAD directed the distributor of the herbal supplement to immediately recall the product from the Philippine market.

BFAD said patrons of Penrex herbal supplement for men must discontinue its use and consult their doctors. Consumers are also encouraged to immediately report to BFAD any adverse effects after using the ptoduct.

Source: Manila Bulletin, photo courtesy of www.soundshealthy.com