The Therapeutic Goods Administration have come down hard on the sale of ‘Gold Viagra’ capsules, after finding undeclared amounts of sildenafil – commonly known as Viagra – within. Sildenafil is a regulated substance and cannot be sold without TGA approval.
The substance sildenafil is a prescription only medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Usually, it’s known under its brand name: Viagra. In Australia, before the substance is allowed to be sold, the TGA have to conduct quality assurance tests that demonstrate safety and efficacy. Without these tests, any business looking to sell the drug can’t even pitch a tent.
TGA investigations have revealed that Australians seem to be purchasing Gold Viagra online, even though as early as 2015, the product has been deemed unsafe. Back then it was marketed as both Gold Viagra and Kangaroo Sexually Invigorating Essence, which is totally the kind of name that’ll get you excited.
In this case, the Gold Viagra is… well, it is Viagra. It’s just the amount of sildenafil contained in the tablets have not been deemed safe by the TGA. If you’re taking this particular version it is recommended that you dispose of it and if you have any issues, see your GP.
The case highlights some of the issues around purchasing medicine online and overseas. The TGA themselves illuminate some of those issues: You could be breaking the law, but more than that you are putting your health into the hands of someone you can’t even see. If you want to import medicine, it’s good to refer to their Can I Import It? page.
In addition, if you have purchased these products online, the TGA are now working with Border Force to ensure that future shipments of the product are stopped at the border and destroyed. You are not likely to receive your Gold Viagra, if that’s the case – but that’s for the better anyway.
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