FDA Warned About Herbal Viagra Pills Linked To Lamar Odom’s Collapse
FDA Warned About Herbal Viagra Pills Linked To Lamar Odom’s Collapse
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public notice in 2013 advising consumers against purchasing or using the sexual enhancement product called Reload or “herbal Viagra.”
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom remains on life support in a Las Vegas hospital after his collapse Tuesday at a legal Nevada brothel.
The attention has now turned to substances he took before losing consciousness and collapsing at the Love Ranch.
Nye County Sheriff’s officials, who are investigating the incident, are saying that Odom took cocaine and 10 tabs of Reload in the days before his collapse.
The brothel’s owner said Odom was taking “a lot of” herbal Viagra, which he had purchased during his multi-day stay at the brothel.
The brothel’s owner said Reload claims to help with erectile dysfunction and “gives energy.”
FDA Warning
Two years ago, the FDA issued a warning that Reload contains a hidden drug ingredient that could lead to dangerous reactions including extremely low blood pressure.
While Viagra is the prescription drug that is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction, Reload is Viagra without regulations or medical oversight, the FDA cautioned. The regulatory agency’s lab analysis confirmed that Reload contains, sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved Viagra.
This ingredient, the FDA warned, may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. The FDA told consumers to stop using these drugs and discard them right away.
Similarly, another drug called Libimax Plus, had also been targeted by the FDA for secretly including an ingredient that requires a doctor’s approval. That supplement was the subject of a recall as well.
Being Wary of Herbal Supplements
It is important to remember that herbal supplements are not subjected to the same testing and approval processes as prescription drugs. This means there is no way to confirm what’s in the pill or medication until you test it in a laboratory.
And how many of us do that before taking a pill? Lamar Odom’s story should be a tale of caution to anyone who takes so-called herbal supplements.
At the very least, look at FDA’s database for any alerts or recalls before you take the drug, if you must take it. Whether it’s diet supplements or pills that claim to enhance sexual performance, there may be nothing “herbal” or “natural” about what you’re taking.
