Alert over bogus herbal helpers

Herbal product Nasutra

Health officials fear that bogus herbal products may be on widespread sale, after discovering two on the market which could be dangerous or even fatal in some cases.

Dr Karen Poutasi, Director-General of Health, urged people who had taken the dietary supplement Li Da or Nasutra, sold as the "natural choice for maximum sexual performance", to see a doctor.

Far from being "natural", both products contain undeclared prescription drugs, found investigations by the Government's medicines watchdog, Medsafe.

Derek Fitzgerald, Medsafe compliance team leader, said the supplements may have some herbal ingredients, but were "adulterated and masquerading as herbal".

"People believe they are herbal alternatives and that's the danger," said Mr Fitzgerald. "The quality has also proved variable so you don't know exactly what you are getting."

And Dr Poutasi warned that there may be other so-called herbal products available containing "prescription medicines or toxic substances".

Consumers needed to be wary of complementary healthcare products that "appear to be unusually effective, cause side effects or are available from unusual sources".

Nasutra, sold for about $20 as a natural alternative to Viagra, was found to contain sildenafil, which is known to interfere with some heart medication and could be fatal.

Li Da contains sibutramine, which is prescribed to obese patients who have been unable to lose weight with a low calorie diet and exercise. It can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate and is unsafe for some people, including those with glaucoma, mental illness and severe liver or kidney problems.

It should also not be used in combination with other medicines such as some antidepressants and migraine treatments.

"Consumers should immediately stop taking these two products," said Dr Poutasi. "They should seek medical advice if they are taking other medicines or have felt unwell either when taking or after taking them."

Nasutra was being sold mainly in adult shops. Li Da was largely available online. Medsafe was alerted after a number of complaints about side effects and increasing attempts to import Li Da.

The organisation has no idea how many people may have taken the products, but said it was taking action to block further sales. It had stopped known distributors selling them and seized stocks. Dr Poutasi said it was illegal to sell or supply prescription medicines without the buyer having a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.

"Distributors, importers and sellers are responsible for ensuring the products they import or sell do not contain any undeclared prescription medicines," she said.

Reductil is the only brand of sibutramine approved for sale in New Zealand and Viagra is the only legal medication containing sildenafil.

In 2004 sexual performance boosters Boyjoy, Platinum Plus, Manup and Wei Ge Wang were recalled after they were found to contain sildenafil.