FDA warns vs libido boosting supplement

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MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned those taking a libido-boosting herbal dietary supplement after an analysis of some batches tested positive for sildenafil citrate, a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, which is prohibited in food supplements. The most popular brand name of the drug is Viagra.

According to FDA Advisory No. 2025-0365 which was signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate, laboratory analyses of Drivemax Plus Brand herbal dietary supplement capsules belonging to the following lot numbers and expiry dates showed that these contain sildenafil citrate: 24581626 (April 5, 2026); 23521625 (Aug. 8, 2025); 23551625 (Nov. 8, 2025); and 24561626 (Jan. 22, 2026).

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“The presence of the drug ingredient sildenafil citrate deems the dietary supplement as adulterated…,” the FDA said.

“Sildenafil citrate is prohibited in food supplements, since it poses potential health risks to the unwary consuming public, especially those who have had a stroke, persons with heart problems, kidney problems, and low blood pressure,” it added.

The FDA directed all law enforcement agencies and local government units to ensure that the said products are not sold in the market or areas under their jurisdiction.

Side effects

Those taking the adulterated Drivemax capsules were also advised to see a doctor for any of these side effects: headaches, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, urinary tract infection, priapism (prolonged erection), indigestion, nasal congestion, rashes, and changes in vision or sudden vision loss.

Based on its website, Drivemax is a dietary supplement for men and women designed to enhance decreasing sexual performance through natural ingredients such as horny goat weed, ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, tongkat ali, and Gingko biloba.