Rhino Pill Side Effects Linked to Hospitalizations and Injuries, FDA Warns

Federal drug regulators warn that side effects of Rhino male enhancement pills have been linked to reports of serious injury and hospitalization, indicating that a number of different products marketed as sexual aids should not be used. 

In a press release issued on November 27, the FDA indicates that Rhino pills should not be purchased or used, citing a number of complaints involving severe headaches, chest pain, and prolonged erections that may lead to the need for surgery and hospitalization.

The products in question are sold under names like Platinum Rhino 25000 and Krazzy Rhino 25000, with marketing claims on the packaging that promise “stamina,” “size,” and “time” for men seeking sexual enhancement. They are often taken as an alternative to Viagra, or for an extra boost before a working out.

The FDA has determined that Rhino products contain sildenafil or tadalafil, which are active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis; prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction. However, Rhino products are sold as dietary supplements and do not mention that they contain the drugs. Therefore, the FDA considers Rhino pills misbranded and adulterated, since they have never been approved as a safe and effective drug.

The two drugs found in Rhino pills fall under a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which can cause individuals to experience severe drops in blood pressure and are linked to significant safety issues and the risk of serious adverse events.

These ingredients may also interact with nitrates found in some other prescription drugs, causing blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels. They can also interact with medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

The ingredients in the products are often promoted by the manufacturer as a sexual enhancement product, a product for weight loss or bodybuilding, or sometimes as pain relief products.

Since 2007, the FDA identified 25 products marketed as variations of Rhino products that contain hidden, or undeclared ingredients. They are the same, or significantly similar, to drugs which should be given only through a prescription by a medical professional, not sold over-the-counter.

The products are commonly sold at gas stations, conveniences stores, and are available online through Amazon and eBay. They are marketed as dietary supplements, so consumers are unaware of the serious consequences when taken.

The FDA has posted dozens of public warnings indicating recall announcements for the fraudulent products. However, the FDA cannot test and identify every product which is sold on the market and may contain undisclosed ingredients.

“We remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the American public from the sale of these potentially dangerous products,” said Donald D. Ashley, director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The agency recommends consumers search the FDA’s Tainted Products database to identify any harmful ingredients in a questionable product. If the ingredient is not listed, consumers should still be cautious about taking certain products, especially products marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, body building or pain relief.

Anyone who experiences a side effect after taking a Rhino product should report it to the FDA’s MedWatch adverse event reporting program.