MANILA, Philippines- The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH) has found that several batches of Robust and Robust Extreme Dietary Supplements for men contained analogues of “Tadalafil”, a prescription drug product to to treat male sexual function problems including erectile dysfunction or impotence.
According to a report by PhilStar, FDA issued Advisory No. 2016-092 last August 22 to inform the public about the sampling it conducted on specific batches of the male supplements after it received a report from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia’s Department of Health (DOH) regarding the presence of analogues of tadalafil.
PHOTO CREDIT: YouTube/ATC Healthcare International Corporation
The presence of analogues of tadalafil on the specific batches entails health risks particularly to consumers suffering from kidney disease, heart problems, liver disease as well as high or low blood pressure. Some possible side effects include difficulty of breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat; dizziness; pain; numbness; tingling in the chest, neck, arms or jaw; ringing in the ears; changes or sudden loss of vision; and nausea.
Consumers who have purchased Robust and Robust Extreme Dietary Supplements with the respective batch numbers (Robust- RB-TTCG, RB-TTCN, RB-TTCY, and RB-TTCT; Robust Extreme- RE-TTO, RE30-TTC, and RE30-TTA) are advised to immediately contact FDA at 857-1991 to 93 or email them at foodsafety@fda.gov.ph.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is the inability of a male to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can affect an individual’s self confidence, contribute to relationship problems and cause stress.
Here are some causes of erectile dysfunction, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Tobacco Use
- Sleep Disorders
- Alcoholism and substance abuse
- Treatments for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
- Injuries affecting the pelvic area or spinal cord
- Depression
- Stress
- Relationship problems
What are the Benefits of Robust?
With ingredients like the epimedium extract which has aphrodisiac properties, Robust is a good option for those who want to enjoy healthy pleasures with their partners. The food supplement helps maintain energy and appetite for having a good time.
It is also used in the treatment for erectile dysfunction and impotence, thanks to Cistanche Salsa Extract. The ingredient is useful for increasing blood circulation to the genitals. This also helps in frequent urination.
Aside from these intimate benefits, Robust is also beneficial for the health of the circulatory system because of the its Hawthorn Berry Extract.
Can You Take Robust with Alcohol?
On its Facebook page, Robust announced that they highly discourage consumers from drinking alcoholic beverages when taking the food supplement. While the health effects of consuming both Robust and alcoholic beverages were not shared, the brand stated that alcoholic beverages these two should not be combined to get best results.
Photo credit: Robust Extreme / Facebook
It was further added that some users could experience headaches as this is a commonly reported side effect of using Robust. Since alcoholic beverages often lead to a hangover and a massive headache, combining the two could lead to the most awful headache you’ll ever experience.
Is Robust Safe for Hypertension?
Hypertension is a common medical issue among the elderly; but even young people could get diagnosed with this. It is best to consult a doctor if you plan on taking Robust.
Just like erectile dysfunction pills, Robust helps arteries relax to promote better blood circulation to the genitals. While this does not matter to those with healthy bodies, it could be dangerous for those with heart problems and hypertension as a drop in the user’s blood pressure is to be expected.
Still, Robust does help improve the circulatory system; this could lead to lesser hypertension problems. But just to be sure, consult your doctor if you have hypertension but plan on using Robust.
Side Effects of Robust According to Real People
Every kind of medicine, whether a prescription drug, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin tablets, health supplement, or herbal remedy, has the potential to cause side effects in the body.
It’s important to understand that before you take any medication or health supplement.
According to the official Facebook account of Robust Extreme, Robust users might experience headaches or body pains after drinking the herbal supplement because it causes blood in your body to become thinner for a while, to increase blood circulation.
That’s how the supplement becomes effective for its intended use.
But how did real people review the product, based on their experience?
One person on Reddit wrote this:
“Recently, I had been introduced by a friend to try RE. He told me that there were no side effects for him and had a good ‘session’. Now I tried it out of curiosity if it helps in making me last longer and I did everything as instructed (take with little food 2 hours before deed).
But after the deed, I had severe headache, thirst and muscle pains (hips and legs) which has lasted for more than 4 days now.”
Another Redditor wrote:
“I tried the regular Robust around 4-5 years ago. Instructions were to take 2 pills; I took 1. Ayun, 3 days nakatayo si manoy. Immediately after the deed, I started having sensitivity to light/brightness (nagiging blue yung ilaw), tapos para akong may hangover na headache.”
But data on Robust side effects from reviews of real users is scarce. Perhaps that’s because of the nature of the product and how most people are still uncomfortable talking about what happens in the bedroom.
How to Avoid Robust Side Effects
Based on the two reviews above, these guys had a bad experience with the dietary supplement. Their side effects are painful and difficult to deal with, no matter how nice the experience might have initially been after they took the product.
Also, Robust might interact with medicines you are currently taking.
To avoid Robust side effects, it might be best to consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage. Also, you might have other conditions that might be affected by Robust’s mechanism of action.
Your doctor can help you determine whether your condition might lead to possible side effects with Robust.