A Minnesota company is recalling male performance supplements sold at some GNC franchise stores across the United States after tests found three drugs missing from their labels, including the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis.
The recall followed testing by a third party working for GNC, not federal regulators. The tests found sildenafil, tadalafil, and dapoxetine in the supplements.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, and tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis. Both prescription drugs treat erectile dysfunction and require a licensed health care professional’s supervision.
Hidden Drugs Pose Risks
The hidden ingredients could put some users at risk of dangerously low blood pressure. Sildenafil and tadalafil can interact with nitrates, which are found in prescription medicines such as nitroglycerin.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrate medicines. Someone taking those medicines could unknowingly combine them with the drugs hidden in the supplement.
The third ingredient, dapoxetine, is not approved by the FDA. It belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, used to treat depression.
The notice warns that dapoxetine consumption has been shown to raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established by the FDA.
No illnesses, other adverse events, or complaints had been reported when the recall was announced.
Which Products Are Recalled?
The recall covers two packages of Ultimate Forza, marketed as male performance dietary supplements:
– Multi-Capsule/Box: Contains 10 blue, hard-shell capsules. The item number is 810208, and the UPC is 868592000002.
– Single Pack: Contains one capsule. The item number is 810222, and the UPC is 868592000040.
The products were distributed through certain independently owned GNC franchise locations from 2017 through Oct. 1, 2026. They were not sold at GNC corporate stores.
Sales stopped after testing found the drugs, and affected products were set aside at franchise stores. Customers were also notified to stop using them.
How to Get a Refund
Consumers can return unopened or partly used products to a GNC store for a full refund. They should bring a receipt or provide the phone number or email tied to the loyalty account used for the purchase.
Questions can go to GNC at 877-462-4700 or [email protected]. Anyone with related health problems should contact a health care provider.
The recall follows another involving hidden erectile dysfunction drugs. In September, AP Creations LLC recalled two lots of liquid supplement biQ-FEL after FDA testing found sildenafil and tadalafil.
That product was sold nationwide through Amazon, Walmart.com, and naturefuel.us. Buyers were told to stop using it and destroy recalled bottles.
