The herbal remedies sold in Kampala to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED) are found to have dangerous levels of Sildenafil Citrate, the active drug of Viagra, according to Uganda’s National Drug Authority (NDA).
They were found to be sold outside the Senga Byewunyo Herbal Clinic in Katwe, Kampala.
A 30-year-old man was waiting in a queue to buy herbal remedies to improve his virility. He has been using these male enhancement herbal remedies for the past five years. He explained he is not using them for fun but because of the pressure.
The man said, “Sometimes you (have sex) and feel you have not done anything. So when you get the herbal medicine and use it, then my wife becomes very happy.” “I also become very happy – that thing helps me so much.”
Taking herbs or herbal remedies for ED or for boosting sexual drive has been an ancient tradition in many parts of the world. It is estimated that approximately 70 to 80 percent of Uganda men rely on herbal remedies and traditional healers for healthcare.
The NDA officials explain that the demand for herbal remedies has been growing because they seem to have fewer side effects and better natural attributes.
However, the NDA has warned people to stay away from herbal remedies for ED because they are not completely natural and are tainted with conventional drugs, such as Viagra.
The NDA recently tested all the herbal remedies sold in the Kampala region. More than 50 percent of the samples contained Sildenafil Citrate, a drug that is found in Viagra.
Viagra is a prescription drug for treating ED, which is ought to be used only under the supervision of a medical provider. Recreational use of Viagra is strictly prohibited.
While most of the side effects of Viagra are mild and short-lived, such as a headache, nausea, hot flashes or dizziness, it also can cause serious health issues if taken by men who have cardiovascular ailments and who undergo treatment with alpha-blockers or nitrates.
On top of that, there is a problem with the dosage. People taking herbal remedies containing Viagra have no idea how much they are ingesting.
Charles Ibingira, a professor at Makerere University School of Medicine said, “It is very dangerous.” “You run a risk of exceeding the dosage which may have severe effects on the liver, on the kidney and also on the heart.”
Viagra has been the common ingredient found in most sexual enhancement products in Uganda.
Moreover, too much Viagra can lead to a serious side effect called “priapism,” a condition in which a man experiences a prolonged erection. If left untreated, priapism can lead to permanent damage of the penile organ. Priapism is a medical emergency that needs surgical intervention.
A herbalist who did not want to be identified by name said, “(My product) is called Powerbank.” “We mix in very little amount (of Viagra) and our customers always come back to appreciate our services and also bring more clients — so why do the NDA say our work is not effective?”
The NDA has warned that it will be cracking down on such unregulated herbal products. Any manufacturer who is found supplying illegal or unregulated products will have their license withdrawn.
Earlier this month, Ugandan media reported a case of a commercial energy drink that was adulterated with the drug sildenafil citrate. This case came to light when a concerned consumer complained of an abnormal erection, an irregular heartbeat, and excessive perspiration after consuming the Natural Power SX Energy Drink manufactured by Zambian. The NDA tested the energy drink and found it contained Viagra. The health officials are now confiscating supplies of the energy drink.
