Federal authorities seize more than $100,000 of unapproved drugs marketed as “natural supplements”

Media Release
Products contain active ingredients in prescription erectile dysfunction drugs

At the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, today U.S. Marshals seized more than 14,000 dosage units of Shangai Regular, Shangai Ultra, Super Shangai, Naturalë Super Plus, and Lady Shangai.  Although labeled as natural supplements, the seized products were all marketed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), impotency, and/or to provide sexual enhancement, which caused them to be drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The seized products, valued at more than $100,000, contain undeclared active ingredients found in FDA-approved prescription drugs for ED, or similar substances. Use of these products may result in serious side effects and may interact in dangerous ways with medications that a consumer may already be taking.

“The FDA will not tolerate companies marketing unapproved drugs -- products that have not proven to be safe or effective -- as dietary supplements,” said Margaret O’K. Glavin, associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. “The agency will pursue necessary legal action to make sure companies and their executives manufacture and distribute safe drug products.”

The seized products, which originated in China, are packaged and distributed by Shangai Distributors, Inc. of Coamo, Puerto Rico. Although the products’ labels state they are natural supplements, these products are drugs and their sale is illegal without FDA approval. Before a new drug product may be legally marketed, it must be shown to be safe and effective. 

In response to a consumer complaint, the FDA conducted an inspection of Shangai Distributors Inc., in November 2007. The FDA’s investigation and testing revealed that the seized products contained active drug ingredients found in FDA-approved ED prescription drugs and/or a substance with a structure similar to such drugs that may cause similar side effects and drug interactions. None of the drug ingredients are listed on the labels of any of the seized products.

The undeclared ingredients in these products may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.  Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.  ED is a common problem in men with these medical conditions. Because they may have been advised against taking ED drugs, they may seek out products like these because they are marketed as “all natural” or as not containing the active ingredients in approved, prescribed ED drugs.  Additionally, because the manufacturing source of the active ingredients in these products is unknown, consumers should be aware that the safety, efficacy, and purity of these ingredients can not be validated.

Despite being advised of the findings and the potential adverse health risk posed by the seized products and that regulatory action was possible, the company did not take any action to correct the violations. The FDA issued a press release on December 28, 2007 advising consumers not to buy or use the products.  Prior to the seizure, the Puerto Rico Department of Health embargoed the seized products to protect the citizens of Puerto Rico and to support the FDA’s enforcement actions.

The FDA advises consumers who have used any of these products to discontinue use and consult their health care providers if they have experienced any adverse events that they believe are related to the use of these products.  Consumers and health care professionals can report adverse events to FDA’s MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.  FDA recommends that consumers talk to their health care provider about FDA-approved treatments for erectile dysfunction.  FDA may take further regulatory actions to protect consumers from these illegal products.

The complaint was filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose M. Pizarro, deputy chief, Civil Division, United States Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico.”

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