Health Ministry bans erectile dysfunction medicine, issues stiff warning to sellers
HASHINI KAVISHTRI KANNANOctober 8, 2016
NST
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has banned Aman Liquid, a traditional medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction as it contains Yohimbine, a poisonous substance in the Scheduled Poison list.
Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the ministry’s director-general, said in a statement, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has urged the people to avoid buying the product as its registration has been cancelled.
“The registration of the product, owned by Vital Force Enterprise, was cancelled on Sept 27,” he stated.
He said Yohimbine was a type of alkaloid found in a plant species, Pausinystalia yohimbe (commonly known as Yohimbe) that is native to west and central Africa, and used as an aphrodisiac.
“The usage of Yohimbine is not allowed in medicines which are classified as traditional.
“The consumption of the poison could lead to serious adverse effects such as increase in blood pressure and increased heart rate.
“It could also be dangerous to pregnant women, and those with high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems," said Hisham.
He added that the ministry have also issued a warning to sellers and distributors to stop the sale and distributions of the product immediately.
“Sellers should be mindful that selling this banned product is a violation under the Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, which brings a fine of not more than RM25,000 or three years’ jail term, or both and RM50,000 or five years, or both for the subsequent offence.
“As for companies, they could also face a fine of up to RM50,000 for the first offence and RM100,000 for the subsequent offence,” he added.
He also urged the public who have been consuming the product to stop immediately and seek medical advice if they were facing any discomfort or effects from the consumption.
“The public can also call NPRA at 03-78835400 for any inquiries, information and to check the registration status of a product,” he added.
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