Stiff Nights may dangerously lower blood pressure: FDA

By Eileen McGaurin

Following complaints, the Food and Drug Administration is warning  consumers that a sexual enhancement drug, Stiff Nights, contains an ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure and is illegal.

Stiff Nights is marketed as a dietary supplement, according to the FDA statement, and contains sulfoaildenafil, similar to the active ingredient in Viagra. This chemical may interact with prescription drugs known as nitrates, including nitroglycerin and cause dangerously low blood pressure, stated the FDA.

"Because this product is labeled as an 'all natural dietary supplement,' consumers may assume it is harmless and poses no health risk," said Deborah M. Autor, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Compliance. "In fact, this product is illegally marketed and can cause serious complications."

The FDA notice said that sexual enhancement products that claim to work as well as prescribed drugs "are likely to contain a contaminant."

"Use of such products exposes consumers to unpredictable risk and the potential for injury or even death," the FDA said.

In recent years, the FDA has found numerous products that are marketed as dietary supplements but contain undeclared active ingredients of FDA-approved drugs and other compounds that do not qualify as dietary ingredients.

Stiff Nights is distributed on various Internet sites and at retail stores by Impulsaria LLC of Grand Rapids, Mich., stated the FDA, and is sold in bottles that contain 6, 12, or 30 red capsules or in blister packs.

The FDA advises consumers to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.