Does Royal Honey contain ingredients proven to improve sexual function? FDA warns that honey-based sexual supplements may conceal dangerous pharmaceutical ingredients like Cialis and Viagra. Learn the potential risks and facts about these honey-based products.

FDA Warns of Hidden Drugs in Honey-Based Sexual Supplements

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to multiple companies selling honey-based supplements claiming to provide sexual enhancement. These products, marketed under names like “Royal Honey for Him” and “X Rated Honey for Men,” may contain undeclared active ingredients found in prescription medications for erectile dysfunction, such as tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra).

The FDA’s internal laboratory testing found these hidden drug ingredients in the honey products, which are not listed on the labels. Introducing unapproved drugs into food products for interstate commerce is a violation of federal law. The agency has given the companies 15 days to address the issue or face potential enforcement actions like seizure, injunction, or referral to the Office of Criminal Investigations.

Dangers of Undeclared Drug Ingredients

Consuming these honey-based supplements that contain hidden pharmaceutical ingredients can pose serious health risks to consumers. The active drug components in Cialis and Viagra are only available by prescription due to the potential for dangerous interactions and side effects, especially for patients taking nitrates, which is common among those with conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease. This interaction can lead to a dramatic drop in blood pressure to dangerously low levels.

Other consumers may have allergies or sensitivities to the hidden medications in these honey products, further jeopardizing their health. The FDA emphasizes that people should be very cautious about taking sexual enhancement supplements, as the ingredients are often unregulated and misrepresented on product labels.

Honey Supplements Lack Scientific Evidence

While honey has been touted for its potential health benefits, there is little scientific evidence to support the claims that honey-based supplements can improve sexual function, fertility, or increase penis size. These marketing claims are likely exaggerated or unsubstantiated.

Dr. Franklin Lowe, vice chairman of the Department of Urology at Montefiore Medical Center, cautions that “people should be very leery taking many of the products and supplements, because they’re unregulated, and most people don’t know what’s actually in them. What is on the label doesn’t necessarily correlate to what’s actually in the bottle or in the pill.”

FDA’s History of Warnings About Tainted Sexual Supplements

The FDA has a long history of issuing alerts about tainted sexual enhancement supplements, dating back to at least 2007. In 2019, the agency announced that sexual enhancement pills sold online contained hidden and potentially dangerous ingredients like sildenafil.

In April 2023, the FDA warned consumers about nearly a dozen other honey-based sexual supplements that were found to contain drug ingredients. This latest warning about honey-based products is part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the public from the risks of these types of adulterated supplements.

Importance of Seeking FDA-Approved Treatments

The FDA emphasizes that consumers should be cautious when shopping for sexual enhancement supplements online or in stores, as they often contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients. Instead, the agency recommends seeking out effective, FDA-approved treatments for conditions like erectile dysfunction.

Judy McMeekin, the FDA’s associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, states: “We encourage consumers to remain vigilant when shopping online or in stores to avoid purchasing products that put their health at risk, and instead seek effective, FDA-approved treatments.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FDA’s warnings about honey-based sexual supplements highlight the significant risks associated with these unregulated products. Consumers should be wary of any claims of sexual enhancement or fertility benefits from honey-based supplements, as they may contain hidden and dangerous pharmaceutical ingredients. The safest approach is to consult with a healthcare professional and seek out approved medical treatments rather than relying on these potentially adulterated honey products.