'Supplement' Containing Viagra Ingredient Recalled

BETHESDA, Md.--Phoenix-based Ultra Health Products issued a recall April 4 for its sexual health product, Vinarol, after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigators discovered it contained the drug sildenafil--the active ingredient in Pfizer's Viagra®. The recall affected 750,000 tablets; no reports of illness have been linked to the product.

According to an article by the Associated Press (AP), FDA investigators discovered the presence of sildenafil in Vinarol the week of March 31. According to Ultra Health Products (www.ultrahealthproducts.com), the drug mix-up occurred either through employee-tampering or possibly through tainted herbs from China. The product's label claims it contains a proprietary blend of botanicals such as cassia tree, hindo lotus seed and Gingko biloba.

Vinarol is sold through the Internet and retail stores, and is distributed by Ultra Health Products and the product's previous manufacturer, Bionate International (www.bionatedirect.com). Prices run from $19.95 for two tablets to $198.95 for 35.

The AP reported FDA has begun a criminal investigation regarding the supplement/drug. Details about the recall can be found at www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2003/vinarol.htm.

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