Korean Study into Counterfeit ED Drugs
A new study has shown that counterfeit drugs can be contaminated with other ingredients, may contain overdoses of prescription-only medications or may contain no medication whatsoever,
Scientists from South Korea have conducted a study into erectile dysfunction medications sold over the internet to see what men are really taking when they buy their medications from unreliable sources.
They compared 19 different erectile dysfunction medications sold by unauthorised sources to genuine Viagra and Cialis obtained from the manufacturers, Pfizer and Eli Lilley.
The team discovered that many of the counterfeit pills were visibly different from the real medications. 42% were a different colour while over a third were a different size to the branded versions.
More worryingly, 58% of the fake pills contained too much of the active ingredient that makes either Viagra or Cialis effective. Viagra’s main ingredient is sidalafil, Cialis’ tadalafil. Both drugs are prescription-only, as when prescribed in the wrong doses or to people who are contra-indicated for them they can be dangerous.
The researchers said that some of the counterfeit tablets even contained potential toxins, including mercury and lead. Others included compounds intended to treat impotence which have not been approved by the regulatory authorities as being safe and effective.
Only one of the pills contained what the team described as ‘proper active ingredients’.
Since Viagra was first approved for sale in the ‘90s, more and more men have sought treatment for erectile dysfunction. While much of the stigma attached to the condition has disappeared, many are however embarrassed to visit their doctor and like the anonymity of buying erectile drugs like Viagra online.
Despite campaigns to raise awareness about buying counterfeit medications over the internet, however, the trade online in illegal medications has mushroomed. Men either believe that they are buying genuine Viagra from an authorised pharmacy licensed to sell Viagra online or are unaware of the dangers of taking counterfeit medication.
There are also fears that those purchasing from unlicensed companies are putting their health at risk by not getting checked out by a doctor. Erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator for heart problems.
Dr. John Morley of Saint Louis University has greeted the study, due to be presented at the annual society of the American Urological Association in San Francisco, positively.
“All these drugs have side effects and that’s probably the big reason why patients should be getting them through a physician,” he said. “While these things may be cheaper, they potentially have much greater side effects.”
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