Working with other FDA components, the division’s Internet and Health Fraud Team led an Internet survey in which more than one-third of purchased “dietary supplements” claiming to spur sexual enhancement or treat ED contained undisclosed prescription drug ingredients or similar substances.

Six of the 17 products contained sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) or a substance similar to either sildenafil or vardenafil. Vardenafil is the active ingredient in Levitra, another FDA-approved prescription drug that treats ED.

Mark Hirsch, a medical team Leader in CDER’s Division of Reproductive and Urologic Products, says this undisclosed presence of prescription drug ingredients—and similar compounds known as analogs of the drugs—can lead to serious side effects in users.

Source: FDA Consumer Health Information