If the name weren’t enough to put you off the stuff, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a health-related reason to stop taking Man Up Now: the sexual enhancement herbal supplement contains a variation of the active ingredient in Viagra, and could dangerously lower your blood pressure.
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According to an announcement on the FDA website:
Consumers who have Man Up Now capsules should stop using them immediately. The FDA analyzed Man Up Now and determined that it contains sulfoaildenafil, a chemical similar to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Like sildenafil, this chemical may interact with prescription drugs such as nitrates, including nitroglycerin, and cause dangerously low blood pressure. When blood pressure drops suddenly, the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply that can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.
So far, the FDA has not received reports of adverse effects in men taking the pills. But this is a good reminder that “herbal” or “all natural” supplements aren’t necessarily harmless, and may have side effects and contraindications just like prescription drugs. Always talk to your doctor and do a bit of research before you pop any pills, no matter how natural they claim to be.
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