An in-depth laboratory examination revealed that Big Guys Male Energy Supplement, WeFun, and various other supplements available on the Amazon platform are found to contain the active components present in Viagra and Cialis.
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DANDENONG, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: The Amazon website is seen on December 5, 2017 in Dandenong, Australia.
Warning Amazon with Fake Viagras
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns with Amazon over the presence of counterfeit Viagra on its platform, cunningly disguised as men's energy or health supplements.
In a letter addressed to Amazon dated December 20th, The Verge reported that the regulatory body issued a stern warning and hinted at potential legal action, highlighting seven specific products available on the e-commerce giant.
These products were found to contain ingredients mirroring those found in Viagra and Cialis. Featuring extravagant names and vibrant, cartoonish labels, these items intentionally deviate from the appearance of genuine prescription medications.
A recent investigation by the FDA uncovered a range of supplements or powders being sold on Amazon that contained either sildenafil or tadalafil, the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra. Notably, these products failed to disclose the presence of these components.
The implicated items include MANNERS Energy Boost, Round 2, WeFun, Genergy, Big Guys Male Energy Supplement, Men's Maximum Energy Supplement, and X Max Triple Shot Energy Honey.
Amazon's Response
Amazon spokesperson Samantha Boyd informed that the flagged products had been removed from the platform before the FDA's December letter, with the regulatory agency having identified these items individually over the year.
Boyd underscored Amazon's commitment to safety, stating that the company mandates compliance with applicable laws and regulations for all products on its platform. She noted that by previous FDA guidance, the products in question were removed earlier in the year.
In the FDA's letter to Amazon, the agency not only urged the company to provide an account of its actions but also emphasized the need for a clear strategy to prevent the reappearance of mislabeled drugs on the platform.
The FDA asserted Amazon's responsibility to investigate and address violations, outlining the company's role in preventing their recurrence. Despite this, Amazon has not disclosed specific details regarding its planned response at this time.
Viagra and Cialis belong to the category of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors, designed to address erectile dysfunction while concurrently lowering blood pressure.
For individuals with heart issues, this dual effect can pose significant risks, potentially leading to severe consequences. The prevalence of these products, often discovered during searches for "Viagra" or "erectile dysfunction" on Amazon, extends beyond mere mislabeling.
Some items, despite being marketed as health supplements and featuring ingredients like royal jelly, ginseng, and honey, conceal the actual presence of prescription components.
Also Read: Amazon Facing Scrutiny from EU Regulators Over Digital Services Act Compliance
In contrast to Amazon's longstanding struggle with third-party vendors peddling counterfeit drugs and medical items, ArsTechnica reported that the current issue involving bootleg Viagra represents a different challenge.
The concern revolves around products containing authentic prescription ingredients, falsely labeled as harmless over-the-counter health supplements. Even a search for "viagra" on the platform yields an extensive list of outcomes, showcasing numerous men's health and energy supplements.
Notably, some of these products employ language akin to those identified by the FDA, explicitly positioning themselves as treatments to enhance men's sexual performance or stimulate libido.
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