Men who buy counterfeit Viagra pills online are being warned of the serious adverse effects that could be life-threatening.
Rogue erectile dysfunction (ED) pills have been found to contain substances that can trigger a heart attack or stroke.
According to new figures, eight in ten counterfeit medicines confiscated last year were ED pills, which is more than 4 million tablets.
UK Health Minister Nicola Blackwood said, “It is extremely dangerous buying illicit medicines online for erectile dysfunction.”
She explained that men have no idea about the ingredients present in the Viagra pills bought online, which could cause side effects. One should not suffer from ED in silent because it is often caused by underlying medical conditions that should be addressed and treated.
Blackwood added, “Viagra can now be bought in a pharmacy, where you can speak to the pharmacist about your needs and access medicines safely.”
Health officials at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) seized over £13 million worth of counterfeit ED drugs in the last 12 months. It is nearly eight times the value confiscated four years ago when they impounded £1.6 million worth of ED pills.
In the UK, Viagra is now available without a prescription from a drugstore or registered online pharmacy for roughly £4 a pill. Online fake Viagra pills can be bought for as little as 50p. Dr. Geoff Hackett said, “Men had died taking online pills containing diabetes medication. Erectile dysfunction affects five million Brits.”
