Zhong Hua Niu Bian Tablets
Tests done by TGA showed this particular brand of made-in-China fake Viagra has an undeclared antibiotic substance, chloramphenicol. TGA

Sales of drugs, such as Viagra and Cialis, to last longer in bed would likely spike this weekend as couples celebrate Valentine’s Day. However, the Department of Health’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warns Aussie men from buying fake male enhancement drugs.

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One such pill available in the underground pharmaceutical market, via online sales, is Zhong Hua Niu Bian tablets. Tests done by TGA showed this particular brand of made-in-China fake Viagra has an undeclared antibiotic substance, chloramphenicol, but only small traces of sildenafil, the generic name of the popular erectile dysfunction (ED) pill that helps men with ED rise to the occasion.

TGA stresses that chloramphenicol for oral use and sildenafil should only be purchased with physician’s prescription in Australia. The regulator adds that the place where Zhong Hua Niu Ban tablets are made is not approved by TGA, and the agency has not assessed that specific brand for quality, safety or efficacy.

To prevent the further entry of the fake ED medication, TGA has requested the Australian Border Force to help it in stopping future shipments of the counterfeit male enhancement pill. Those who had bought some are advised to stop taking the tablet and bring the remaining capsules to their local pharmacy for proper disposal. Concerns over use of the pill should be consulted with a health care practitioner.

According to Mayo Clinic, chloramphenicol – sold as Chloromycetin Sodium Succinate in the US and Chloromycetin in Canada – is used to treat infections caused by bacteria which works by killing its growth. The clinic cautions from using it for colds, flu and other viral infection or to prevent infections.

Male Performance-Enhancement Cocktail
A customer sips "Paradise", a coconut-based cocktail at Gaggan restaurant in Bangkok October 1, 2013. Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha

Although ED affects 10 percent of Aussie men, according to zPills, some men who do not have the ailment, which often affects males with diabetes or as they age, buy male enhancement pills to last several round in bed or have better sex experience. Fake Viagra sold online appeals to some men because of the lower price or the real one requires prescription and is often more expensive.

The prices of ED drugs in zPills online store ranges from $1.50 (AUD$2.11) for generic Viagra to $5.95 (AUD$8.39) for generic Levitra with PRILIGY (Dapoxetine HCI).

Viagra
A box of Viagra, typically used to treat erectile dysfunction, is seen in a pharmacy in Toronto January 31, 2008. Reuters/Mark Blinch