Two dietary supplements are being recalled today because they contain undeclared drug ingredients.  The recalls involve STEAM  and S-DROL dietary supplements made by Nutracoastal Trading LLC.

Customers who have either of these products in their possession should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to the supplements.  Consumers should return any unused product to the retail location where they were purchased or contact Nutracoastal Trading LLC directly at 866-803-2434 Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EDT.

It is becoming apparent that many so-called dietary supplements are, in reality, unapproved drugs that contain pharmaceutical ingredients.  Earlier this week, the FDA warned that some body building supplements that claim to contain steroid-like ingredients really contain anabolic steroids.  Such products have been associated with serious liver injuries, as well as stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism (artery blockage in the lung).

Lab analysis by the  FDA on the recalled STEAM product found that it contains sulfoaildenafil, an analog of sildenafil.  Sildenafil is an active ingredient of an FDA-approved drug for erectile dysfunction.  Approved versions of this drug are sold under various names, including Viagra.  The S-DROL product contains desoxymethyltestosterone, a steroid.

The undeclared ingredients may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates. Additionally, the product may cause side effects, such as headaches and flushing.