Beware of fake Viagra sellers

THE SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) says it has noted an increase in the supply of illicit erectile dysfunction drugs, and has warned the public against using them.

The authority said it was working with law enforcement in curbing the supply.

“Consumers should not buy illicit drugs and dangerous medicines containing sildenafil, a substance used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

“Medicines such as Viagra, Dynafull and Avigra are approved by Sahpra and must be prescribed by a doctor,” the authority said.

Sahpra said Viagra contains sildenafil, a substance listed in Schedule 4 of the Medicines Schedules, as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Substances listed in the schedule require registration with Sahpra together with the licensing of the facility that either manufactures, distributes or sells the drugs.

Sahpra acting chief executive Portia Nkambule said they worked with police and customs officials in trying to eradicate the illegal supply.

“All kinds of medicines, both branded and generic, can be made fraudulently, including the so-called ‘lifestyle’ medicines, such as those taken for weight loss and sexual dysfunction.

“Sahpra receives tip-offs from the public and encourages such tip- offs. These illicit drugs are dangerous and the public is warned not to consume them,” Nkambule said.

“The activities of these clandestine production establishments pose a serious risk to consumer health and safety.

“Consumers are at risk from unsafe and ineffective products and faulty counterfeit goods which can lead to harm and, in some cases, death.

“Sahpra is committed to working with law enforcement agencies to eradicate such illicit activity, ensuring that the South African public is safe and not exploited by such unscrupulous individuals and organisations,” said Nkambule.

She said products sold in places other than pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and at dispensing doctors must be avoided, and be reported to them.

“They present particular dangers such as the wrong dose of active ingredients, no active ingredient at all, or they may have a completely different ingredient included.

“Some were found to contain highly toxic substances such as rat poison,” Nkambule said.