Unani Herbal Potency Pills Sold In Local Shops Contains Viagra, Anaesthetic Drugs; Dangerous For Health
1 Aug 2018 1:26 PM GMT
In a recently conducted test, the Aurangabad division of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found Viagra and a short-acting anaesthetic drug in two ayurvedic medicines meant to increase sexual desire and potency. As reported by The Times Of India, the drug regulatory body has issued a state-wide circular asking its officials to seize any available stock of these two drugs, ‘Power up capsules’ and ‘Tiger king cream.’
FDA officials in July had raided the office of Srishti Unani Medicine Agency in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. They had then found stocks worth of Rs 16,000 which had arrived from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Upon testing, each Power-up capsule was found to contain 49.45 mg of Viagra and Tiger King cream had the anaesthetic drug. Both of the said drugs, nowhere on their containers mention the components Sildenafil (commonly called Viagra) and anaesthetic drug (lignocaine hydrochloride).
SS Kale, joint commissioner, FDA, Aurangabad said, “We will lodge an FIR against Naman India, the UP-based manufacturer, that has been selling these drugs in the name of herbal medicine to gullible consumers.”
In 2015, the department had conducted a raid and found that there was rampant adulteration of the ayurvedic medicines with allopathic drugs. It is estimated to be an industry worth millions and it is believed to be run mostly out of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities or slums in metros. An FDA official told The Times of India, “Under the Act, manufacturing of Ayurveda drugs needs a licence, but there are no legal provisions for distribution and supply. So monitoring becomes a challenge.”
Harmful effects
It is particularly dangerous because of a plethora of health complications that may befall the consumer. Viagra, which is taken in cases of erectile dysfunction, is supposed to be taken only if prescribed by a specialist. If the consumer is already consuming some kind of medication, there is a fear of life-threatening complications. The Logical Indian also spoke to a doctor who advised strictly against taking drugs like Viagra without a doctor’s prescription. In extreme cases, it would lead to a heart attack.
The Logical Indian take
Ayurvedic medicines are one of the most famous forms of alternative medicine. A lot of people prefer taking these over allopathic medicines because of their alleged lesser side effects. Fraudulent firms often try to tap on the potentially big markets by packing an adulterated drug in the garb of ayurvedic medicine. Hence, it is extremely important that people practice due caution and always visit a licensed practitioner in case of any health issue, no matter how big or small.