TGA warning on dangerous Chinese medicines

Tablets labelled ‘Maximum Powerful’, ‘Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms’ and ‘Ying Da Wang’ have been flagged for an undeclared substance that can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels, while capsules under the Li Da Daidaihua brand increase the risk of cardiac events and stroke.

The BAIWEI Maximum Powerful tablets, the Bigger Longer More Time More Sperms and Ying Da Wang tablets all contain the undeclared substance sildenafil, which poses a “serious risk” to health and should not be taken, the TGA said this week.

“Sildenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels,” the watchdog stated.

“People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.

“Sildenafil taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects.”

The supply of the tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal and the TGA also warns the tablets have not been assessed for quality, safety or efficacy and the place of manufacture has not been approved by the Australian government.

The agency advises consumers to immediately stop using the tablets and take any remaining tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

The watchdog said it was working with the Australian Border Force to help stop future shipments of BAIWEI Maximum Powerful tablets, Bigger Longer

More Time More Sperms and Ying Da Wang from entering Australia.

“We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border.”

It has also raised the alarm over Li Da Daidaihua and after finding the tablets contain the undeclared substance sibutramine.

“Consumers are advised that sibutramine is a prescription-only substance in Australia,” the TGA said.

“Sibutramine was withdrawn from world markets in 2010 due to increased risk of cardiac events and stroke.”

Like the other flagged tablets, Li Da Daidaihua capsules have not been assessed for quality, safety or efficacy and the place of manufacture has not been approved by the Australian government.

“Stop using Li Da Daidaihua capsules and take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal,” the TGA states.

The ABF is also on the lookout for future shipments of Li Da Daidaihua.

“We advise consumers to exercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites,” the TGA said.

“Products purchased over the internet may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients.”