Advice to consumers not to use Shark Essence, a herbal medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction
The MHRA is advising consumers not to use the product specified below due to concerns about possible side-effects.
Product name
Shark Essence
Product description
Shark Essence is marketed as a herbal medicine that treats sexual dysfunction.
Reason for warning
The MHRA has received advice from the Ministry of Health, Jerusalem warning that this unlicensed product has been tested and found to contain Tadalafil and Sildenafil which are Prescription Only Medicines used in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. These active ingredients are not listed on the product label.
Possible side effects:
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in a Prescription Only Medicine called Cialis and should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled consumption of Tadalafil is dangerous and could potentially cause serious adverse reactions such as heart attack, stroke and severe hypotension.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in a Prescription Only Medicine called Viagra and should only be used when prescribed by a doctor. Uncontrolled consumption can cause potentially life-threatening high blood pressure. Individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side-effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain and abnormal heart beat. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, dizziness and abnormal vision.
It is unclear whether these products are available in retail outlets within the United Kingdom but could be available on the internet.
