The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has warned of a fake product being passed off as an aphrodisiac by unscrupulous suppliers. Online advertisements claim the product to be "natural shark extract for male sex enhancement." The SFDA said that two pharmaceutical ingredients, one of them used in prescription medicines, have been added to the fake product to make it seem genuine. The Authority pointed out that its inspectors have confiscated the fraudulent product, Shark Extract Tablet, which is marketed by street vendors, on websites, and via social media outlets as a natural preparation, free of chemical ingredients, to treat erectile dysfunction. These claims are misleading and baseless, SFDA confirmed. The product contains SIldenafil, which can only be used under prescription and medical supervision, particularly in the case of elderly and heart patients. The ingredients also include Paracetamol, which is used as a fever reducer and pain reliever. The SFDA said it would be taking action to ensure the product is withdrawn from the market, advising consumers not to use it and discard stocks if any. The Authority called on everyone to use only those pharmaceutical products that are registered and have the SFDA registration code marked on the packet. Registered products are listed on the SFDA website, it said.
