'Desire' could be dangerous: Health Canada

Health Canada has issued a warning about Desire, a male-sexual-performance aid that could pose serious health complications.

One lot of the product was found to contain the prescription drug phentolamine, which is only authorized for intravenous use in the prevention and control of high blood pressure in people with adrenal tumours, Health Canada said.

The presence of phentolamine is not indicated on the label, the department said in a release.

People who have heart problems, those on blood-pressure medications, or those at risk of strokes, may be at increased risk of serious health problems if they take phentolamine.

These could include low blood pressure, chest pain and abnormal heartbeat, as well as dizziness, loss of consciousness, prolonged erections, headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and abdominal pain, Health Canada said.

The product may be available in stores in Canada and over the Internet.

Health Canada is advising merchants to remove the product from their shelves. To date, it has not received any reports of adverse reactions.