Supplement has a touch too much Viagra

In analysis carried out for the Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, the supplement Double Touch manufactured for Made4Share Oy was found to contain thiosildenafil and dimethyl sildenafil thione, both of which are similar to Sildenfail. The Finnish National Agency for Medicines has classified thiosildenafil as a drug, and preparations containing it are deemed to be comparable to prescription drugs.

Sildenafil has been found to increase the effects of the blood pressure lowering medications including nitrates that are used primarily for treating angina. Nitrates are also used in medication for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease.

Side effects experienced by approximately 15% of persons taking sildenafil include facial flushing, headaches, stomach pain, nasal congestion, nausea and diarrhea.

Evira said: “The use of the product Double Touch can cause severe health hazards to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, and they should stop using the product immediately. If consumers suspect that the food supplement has caused adverse effects, they are advised to contact a doctor. Any adverse effects should also be reported to the municipal food control authorities.”

It added that as there is no previous history of the use of substances found in Double Touch, such as sildenafil as food, the product is also in contravention with the legislation on novel foods.

The manufacturer, now named Priapro Oy, said that it accepted the decision of the authorities and had removed Double Touch from its Made4Share website. “We are disappointed as many clients were happy with the results they got from the product,” a spokesperson said.

The company said it will refund consumers who return the product, which was only available from its online store.