News about supplements being seized by health authorities is not unusual. The FDA has been issuing warning letters to inform the public of the dangers of taking tainted supplements. The agency is continuously identifying supplement products which contain ingredients that may pose some health risks or contain controlled substances. Since most of these products did not pass any FDA approval, the safety and effectiveness of the product is not guaranteed.

The agency is not alone in this effort to curtail the proliferation of tainted supplements in the market. Just recently, Health Canada seized several sexual enhancement products from an adult store in Vancouver due to an allegation that it contains steroids. This drug is a controlled substance in Canada and it can only be purchased with a valid prescription. Putting it in supplements will also make the product a regulated drug.

The supplement in question is the ExtenZe sexual enhancement pills for men and women. According to Health Canada both version of the supplement contains steroids. The health authority found out that the product contains the steroid DHEA which can cause higher-than-normal levels of male and female hormones. Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is naturally produced in the body but declines with age. DHEA is said to help slow down or reverse the signs of aging. Many professional athletes especially in baseball are taking this supplement. DHEA helps reduce fatigue and improve thinking difficulties.

It was also reported by the CBC News that Extenze contain another steroid pregnolone. This steroid can cause anger, anxiety, irritability and heart palpitations. A prescription substance was also found in the supplement. The prescription medication yohimbine which is said to treat erectile dysfunction is part of the composition of Extenze. The substance was extracted from yohimbe which may also cause side effects like anxiety, dizziness, and increased blood pressure.

Health Canada warns the public that this supplement can cause other health problems especially to those people with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clotting disorder and liver disease. Consumers should consult a doctor immediately if they experience any side effects. Extenze can also interact with other medicines like anti-seizure drugs. The health agency said that the steroid content of the supplement can also increase the risk of hormonally based cancers such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers.

This supplement is not only sold in local health stores but also in online stores. It is still best to consult a health care professional before purchasing this supplement to avoid any adverse side effects. Health Canada already ordered the Canada Border Services Agency to prevent additional shipment of the supplement to the country.

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