Adulteration Prompts Body Basics to Recall Sex Product

LOS ANGELESBody Basics Inc. is voluntary recalling the sexual health product ACTRA-Sx due to adulteration. Independent lab analysis found Sildenafil Citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, in the product, according to an FDA press release.

The agency said use of this product may pose a threat to consumers because it may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.  Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. 

Body Basics Inc. distributed ACTRA-Sx 500 to independent distributors in the Los Angeles area and directly to some consumers.  Body Basics Inc. does not distribute or sell this product via the internet.

FDA warned consumers to discontinue use of ACTRA-Sx 500 Dietary Supplement Capsules, Lot 008-A, expiration December 2013. ACTRA-Sx 500, is a purple and gold capsule sold in bottles of 5 count with a UPC code of 830733002015.

The FDA press release said Body Basics Inc. will improve its existing testing procedures to help ensure this doesnt happen again.

Sildenafil adulteration is often the reason behind sex supplement recalls. In July 2012, CRM Laboratories recalled two products due to undisclosed Sildenafil, and in April 2012, XROCK INDUSTRIES recalled a product for the same reason.

INSIDER's Take:

FDA is living up to its December 2010 promise to keep a close eye on adulterated sexual health products. While every dietary supplement brand owner needs to qualify and test its suppliers, manufacturers of sexual health products need to be extra vigilant due to FDA's careful watch and the higher change of adulteration in this category. Recalls are expensive in many ways, and it's best to have all measures in place to make sure products are not adulterated.