The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is the regulatory body for therapeutic products in Australia, has tested a product called Grain German Shepherd tablets and found that they contain an undeclared amount of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and paracetamol (Tylenol).
Sildenafil is a prescription-only drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.
Sold under the brand name Viagra, sildenafil should be used under the supervision of a doctor because it may interact adversely with certain drugs and it is not advised in some men with certain medical conditions. For instance, people taking nitrates or those with serious heart disease are not recommended to use Viagra.
Paracetamol, aka acetaminophen, is a widely used over-the-counter (OTC) medication prescribed to relieve pain and subside fever.
In Australia, sildenafil belongs to Schedule 4 (S4), prescription-only drug, while paracetamol is a Schedule 2 (S2) drug.
The TGA found that the sale of Grain German Shepherd tablets containing unapproved and undisclosed sildenafil and paracetamol in Australia is illegal.
The Australian drug regulatory body did not assess Grain German Shepherd pills quality standards, safety, or efficacy as required under the nation’s legislation. Also, the place of manufacture has not been approved by the TGA.
The agency warned people against using Grain German Shepherd tablets. If consumers have bought the pills, they should take them to their local pharmacies for safe disposal.
The TGA has recommended people to consult their medical providers if they have any concerns arising from the use of this so-called male enhancement product.
Meanwhile, the agency is working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and customs to stop any future shipments of Grain German Shepherd pills from entering Australia.
The tablets will be seized and destroyed if the ABF officials find them at the border.
The agency has advised consumers to take extra caution when purchasing medicines or supplements from any unknown overseas internet sites.
The TGA has even launched a short video on the risks associated with buying medicines online.
Unapproved products bought online may contain undeclared and potentially harmful active or inactive ingredients. They may also not meet the quality standards, safety, and efficacy as approved by the TGA. People can even report counterfeit medications sod online to the TGA on its official website.
