Warning

1999-148
December 23, 1999

Health Canada warns public not to use V-KING and V-KING EXTRA

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use V-KING and V-KING EXTRA capsules. These natural health products may contain sildenafil citrate, a drug approved as a prescription drug for male erectile dysfunction. Inappropriate use of sildenafil citrate could cause severe adverse reactions.

Sildenafil citrate should not be used by individuals who are taking nitrate medication or products; concurrent use could result in the development of potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. In extremely rare instances, males could suffer penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency.

V-KING and V-KING EXTRA are manufactured by Canadian Biosys Ltd., Vancouver, Canada. The product is packaged in green bottles containing beige and rose coloured capsules bearing the name V-KING and a label indicating Harp Seal (male) reproductive organ extracts, traditional Chinese herbs and supplements as ingredients. The capsules, the labels and the bottles of V-KING and V-KING EXTRA are identical with the exception of the colour of the cap on the bottle. Health Canada analyzed several capsules and found them to contain sildenafil citrate. Since it was not possible to determine if the product analysed was V-KING or V-KING EXTRA, Health Canada is issuing a warning for both products.

Health Canada is issuing this warning to advise consumers, health care professionals, and the provincial Ministries of Health of the safety issues related to the use of V-KING and V-KING EXTRA. Consumers are reminded that medications that have been assessed for safety, effectiveness, and quality carry an eight-digit Drug Identification Number (DIN) on the label. V-KING has not been assessed by Health Canada and does not carry a DIN number.

Media inquiries:
Brian Gillespie
Health Canada
(613) 566-8345 (pager)

Public inquiries:
(613) 957-2991