Robust Extreme: Urgent warning not to take illegal ‘sex power’ pills

Health authorities are warning men struggling in the bedroom to steer clear from a dangerous medicine that promises to increase sexual power.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued an urgent warning for imported ‘Robust Extreme’ capsules, which claim to help men suffering from erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

‘Robust Extreme capsules pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken,’ the TGA said on Monday.

‘We have tested a product labelled Robust Extreme capsules and found that the capsules contain the undeclared substance o-propyl vardenafil, an analogue of vardenafil.

‘Vardenafil taken in combination with other medications can cause serious side effects.

‘Vardenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.

‘Consumers are advised that vardenafil is a prescription-only substance in Australia. The supply of Robust Extreme capsules containing undisclosed vardenafil is illegal.

‘Robust Extreme capsules have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by us.’

The TGA has advised consumers to immediately stop using the fraudulent pills.

‘If you suspect you have had a side effect, also known as an adverse event, to this product please report it to us,’ the TGA said.

Advertisements for the pills state they contain cistanche salsa extract, which is claimed to increase men’s sexual power and ‘is useful in increasing circulation to the genitals’.

The TGA said Australians should be cautious about purchasing medicines from unknown overseas websites.

‘Products purchased over the internet may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients and may not meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia,’ the health agency said.

The TGA said it was working with the Australian Border Force to block the capsules from entering the Australian market.

‘We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border.’