Many products are currently available and sold online as dietary supplements that act as treatments for erectile disfunction, called “Blue Steel” or “Hero”, and the FDA has warned people not to buy them. They have not been approved for sale by the FDA, as their safety and effectiveness has not been proven through extensive testing. The chemicals they contain are similar to sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra, and they may pose serious health risks by affecting blood pressure levels.
Blue Steel is sold in containers of 10 capsules or in blister packs holding 2 capsules. Hero is sold in blister packs of 2 capsules.
Consumers may be misled into believing they are not harmful because these products are called all natural dietary supplements. However, caution must be taken if the patient has other medical conditions and is taking medications, such as nitrates, that interact negatively with these chemicals. Certain ingredients are not listed on the product, and these components could be potentially harmful to the unsuspecting consumer.
Some prescription drugs contain nitrates that are used for the treatment of angina and heart failure. Nitrates relax a muscle in the blood vessels and allow the vessels to widen. As a result, the heart does not have to pump as hard to circulate the blood, and allows for greater physical activity. Some of the ingredients in Blue Steel and Hero that are not listed, interfere with nitrates and can lower blood pressure to a dangerous level.
Erectile disfunction is common in men who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. These patients often take nitrates to treat their disease, and doctors advise them not to take erectile disfunction treatments. As a result, they may seek alternative, all natural medications such as Blue Steel and Hero. However, these medications may cause serious harmful health problems.
These products are not federally approved and are currently illegal. If using either of supplements, the FDA advises discontinuing their use and speak with a doctor if experiencing any adverse side effects.
If experiencing erectile disfunction, the patient should consult with their medical practitioner for treatments that have been approved by the FDA.