Volume XIII, Number 3: Fall 2006
Alerts and Advisories
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued cautions on several potentially harmful products used as CAM and sold without FDA approval. People who have used any of them should contact their health care provider. For more on FDA actions on dietary supplements, conventional foods, and other products, see www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html.
- Zimaxx, Libidus, Neophase, Nasutra, Vigor-25, Actra-Rx, and 4EVERON. These products are sold as dietary supplements with claims to enhance sexual performance and treat erectile dysfunction. They contain variations of the active ingredients in drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction and could dangerously lower blood pressure when taken with certain prescription medicines.
- Bismacine, also known as chromacine. This injectable product is not approved by the FDA but has been used with the intent to treat Lyme disease. Bismacine contains high amounts of a heavy metal called bismuth, which could be poisonous and cause the cardiovascular system or kidneys to shut down.
- High-strength hydrogen peroxide products, including "35 Percent Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide." These products have been sold with claims for medicinal use but have no proven clinical value. Instead, they can cause serious harm and even death when taken by mouth.
