Canada. Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Hua Fo VIGOR-MAX Tablets, a Chinese Herbal product that contains tadalafil. Tadalafil is a prescription drug approved for sale for male erectile dysfunction in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. It is not approved for sale in Canada. Inappropriate use of tadalafil could cause severe adverse reactions. Tadalafil should not be used by individuals who are taking any medication or other products containing nitrates: concurrent use could result in the development of potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Also, tadalafil should not be used by patients with severe renal or hepatic insufficiency. Health Canada issued a previous warning in February 15, 2002 (WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter No. 2, 2002) concerning Hua Fo when it was found to contain sildenafil. At the time, Health Canada required the importer to remove the product from the shelves. Health Canada is again directing the importer to remove Hua Fo VIGOR-MAX from the market and has issued a Customs Alert to stop its further importation.

Reference:

Health Canada Warnings/ Advisories, 27 May 2003. Available from URL: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca