An over-the-counter “male enhancement” supplement called V8 has been implicated in several new cases of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, according to an article published in JAMA from the CDC.
A chemical analysis showed that the supplement, which is exempt from federal regulations, contains approximately one adult dose of sildenafil (brand name Viagra), which is effective for erectile dysfunction. However, the supplements also contained up to 100mg of glyburide (Amaryl), which is 12-100x the normal adult dose of this potent anti-diabetic medication.
This contamination resulted in several patients experiencing low blood sugar, which can be fatal in severe cases, especially if left untreated.
Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter supplement, and try to stick to pharmacist recommended brands when supplements are necessary. Most of these products are not regulated by the FDA, and are often contaminated with potentially harmful byproducts and chemicals.
These products may interfere with other medications or diseases you may have, which may result in harm or even death. Your pharmacist can help you avoid these problems; just ask.
See the article from JAMA here.
