Fake ExtenZe Tablets May Contain Viagra, Cialis: FDA Warns

Federal drug regulators are warning consumers to watch out for fake ExtenZe male sexual enhancement tablets that have hit the market, claiming to have all-natural ingredients when they may actually be filled with the active drug ingredients in the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis.   

On May 13, the FDA issued a warning that counterfeit ExtenZe tablets were on the market and are both illegal and potentially dangerous to consumers.

While the counterfeits look like ExtenZe, which is a dietary supplement not regulated by the FDA, the fake tablets actually contain the drug tadalafil, or a combination of tadalafil and sildenafil, both of which are regulated by the FDA.

The pills have lot numbers 1110075 and F050899 on the package and look similar to real ExtenZe. The fake ExtenZe pills do not list tadalafil or sildenafil as an ingredient.

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagara, and Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialas. Both are prescription drugs that the FDA warned can interact with other medications. One known drug interaction is with nitrates, which are commonly given to men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease. If the counterfeit ExtenZe are taken by a man on nitrates, it could potentially cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

“This incident is an example of a growing trend of products marketed as dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals,” said Deputy Director Ilisa Bernstein, of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “These types of products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building, and are often represented as being ‘all natural.’ Consumers should exercise caution before purchasing products promoted for these uses.”

The FDA warns any consumers who think they might have fake ExtenZe tablets to stop taking them and to contact their health care professional if they experience any negative side effects.