http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24915197-2,00.html

Three in hospital over erection drug Nangen Zengzhangsu

Three in hospital over sex drug
Don't take it ... Barbara Paterson with the Chinese sex drug that has put three people in hospital. Photo: Brad Fleet

* Three ill after taking erection pill
* Pills can cause coma, brain damage, death
* Contains deer antler, donkey kidney

THREE people are in hospital after taking a potentially fatal Chinese erection pill.

The Northern Territory News reports the patients, two men and a woman, were all admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital in the past two months after taking Nangen Zengzhangsu, a Chinese medication which claimed to enhance sexual function.

The Health Department has re-issued a warning that these pills could cause a diabetic coma, permanent brain injury or death.

At least one of the patients is believed to have been in a serious condition after ingesting the pills.

The medication - also known as Nangen - is believed to have been brought in from Asia or sourced from the internet. One UK website sells the drug for $10 a pill.

It is marketed on websites as 100 per cent herbal, but contains ingredients such as donkey kidney and deer antler. It is also claimed to be a natural alternative to Viagra with no side effects.
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But the pills could also contain Glibenclamide, a prescription medication used to treat diabetes.

The Canadian Government has also issued a warning against Nangen, saying Glibenclamide and Sildenafil, the other prescription medication the so-called herbal treatment may contain, can cause heart attacks, seizures and loss of vision.

Chief Health Officer Barbara Paterson said the three patients suffered from shaking, confusion, dizziness and low blood sugar.

"It is important that members of the public do not take such medicines," Dr Paterson said. "If you have taken this product and you develop these symptoms you should seek urgent medical attention."

Dr Paterson said there could be risks associated with any drug not listed on the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.