Health Ministry Warns Royal Black Honey Contains Undeclared Sildenafil

The Health Ministry warned on November 9 against buying or consuming Royal Black Honey, a product imported as a honey-based dietary supplement. The ministry said it had not approved the product. Enforcement and inspection activity carried out with Customs led to its discovery, and laboratory tests found sildenafil, a medicinal ingredient used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. “The medicinal substance is not listed on the packaging,” the ministry said. It explained that medicines containing sildenafil require a doctor’s prescription and are dispensed in pharmacies by a qualified pharmacist. The ministry warned that taking products of this kind without medical supervision could expose users to unknown doses and serious side effects. It listed changes in blood pressure, impaired vision and harm to the cardiovascular system, including potentially life-threatening effects. It also warned of dangerous interactions with other medicines. The ministry urged the public to buy medicines, supplements and health products from approved locations, including pharmacies and pharmacy chains, and to avoid unfamiliar websites, social-media sellers and messaging groups. It advised people seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction to consult a physician and use approved medicines. Reports about Royal Black Honey, suspected counterfeit-drug marketing or suspected adverse effects can be made to the ministry’s Kol Habriut service at *5400.