In a recent development, the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, under the Ministry of Health, has issued a public warning regarding the safety and quality of certain herbal products after conducting extensive laboratory analyses. This cautionary statement comes in light of findings related to the presence of adulterants in these products.
The Pharmacy Board's initial press release raised concerns about the "herbal product" COCO SAMBA, citing an inability to guarantee its safety and quality based on preliminary tests. The public was urged to exercise caution and refrain from using the product pending further confirmatory tests in collaboration with sister regulatory authorities in the sub-region.
Following subsequent laboratory analyses conducted at the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of Ghana, it was confirmed that each bottle of COCO SAMBA contains an alarming 193 mg of Sildenafil Citrate, a significantly higher dose compared to the prescribed range of 50-100 mg. Sildenafil Citrate is a prescription drug primarily used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Furthermore, laboratory testing revealed the presence of Sildenafil Citrate in other herbal products, including Olekoko Akson Bitters, Oga Abeg, and Good Time Natural Herbal Formula, each containing varying strengths of the adulterant.
The Pharmacy Board emphasized the potential risks associated with the consumption of these adulterated herbal products, highlighting the serious side effects of Sildenafil Citrate overdose. These adverse effects include a significant drop in blood pressure, visual disturbances, headache, dizziness, chest pain, and painful and prolonged erections that may lead to permanent damage to the male reproductive organ.
In response to these findings, the public is strongly advised to discontinue the use of these harmful products and to report any individuals or institutions involved in marketing or distributing them. This urgent call to action aims to protect consumers from the potential health hazards posed by the consumption of adulterated herbal products.
The Pharmacy Board in their public notice emphasized their need to prioritize public health and safety, and committed to working diligently to safeguard the well-being of the community.
They further cautioned that Vigilance, caution, and cooperation from the public are crucial in addressing this critical issue and preventing further harm.
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