British Columbia

Unauthorized sexual enhancement pills seized from B.C., Ontario stores

Health Canada has seized multiple unauthorized sexual enhancement pills from stores across B.C. and Ontario, issuing a Monday warning about how the products could pose serious health risks.

2 products seized from Vancouver shop, another in Toronto and two in Pickering, Ont.

Two sex pills with names titled 'Rhino 7' and 'Etumax Royal Honey'.
Two of the sexual enhancement products seized by Health Canada. The agency said Monday that using them may pose serious risks. (Health Canada)

Health Canada has seized multiple unauthorized sexual enhancement pills from stores in B.C. and Ontario, issuing a Monday warning about how the products could pose serious health risks.

The pills were added to an ongoing list of seizures maintained by the health agency on Monday, and include products with the brand names Rhino 7 725K, Etumax VIP Royal Honey for Him, and Premium S.W.A.G.

Health Canada says that anyone who has these products should stop using them, and consult their health-care professional if they have concerns.

Two of the ingredients in the seized pills are sildenafil and tadalafil, prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction that the agency notes should be used only under the supervision of a health-care professional.

If used in combination with any kind of nitrate drug, they can cause "potentially life-threatening low blood pressure," Health Canada said, and anyone with heart problems would be at an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.

Two of the products were being sold by Artisan Smoke Shop on West Broadway in Vancouver, according to Health Canada.

An Artisan spokesperson told CBC News via email that they only had two units of the products at the time of the inspection.

"In response to the recall, we take these matters seriously and will not be carrying these products in the future," the spokesperson said. "We're committed to ensuring all items we sell meet Health Canada's safety standards."

Health Canada also seized three other products, one from a store on Steeles Avenue in Toronto and two from a store on Kingston Road in Pickering, Ont.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Akshay Kulkarni

Journalist

Akshay Kulkarni is an award-winning journalist who has worked at CBC British Columbia since 2021. Based in Vancouver, he is most interested in data-driven stories. You can email him at akshay.kulkarni@cbc.ca.