Public Notification: La Pepa Negra contains hidden drug ingredient
[7-16-2019] The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use La Pepa Negra, a product promoted for sexual enhancement. This product was identified during an examination of international mail shipments.
FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that La Pepa Negra contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, an FDA-approved prescription drug for erectile dysfunction. This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.
Health care professionals and patients should report adverse events or side effects related to the use of this product to FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report online at MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form, or
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
Note: This notification is to inform the public of products marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drug ingredients and chemicals. These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building and are often represented as being “all natural.” FDA is unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.
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