On March 25, 2008, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a statement warning consumers to avoid ?Blue Steel? and ?Hero? products masquerading as dietary supplements. The FDA warns that these drugs are not approved because they have yet to be proven safe or effective.

Both ?Blue Steel? and ?Hero? were sold over the Internet by Active Nutraceuticals (or the Marion Group) as sexual enhancers and as medications for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Although the drugs claim to be all natural dietary supplements they have undeclared ingredients, and may have catastrophic effects on a person?s health. The undeclared ingredients are a cause of great concern because they may interact with other medication, such as nitrates, which can perilously lower blood pressure. Men with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, or high blood pressure often experience ED and are thus more prone to turn to so called ?all natural? products like ?Blue Steel? or ?Hero.?

Unfortunately, people suffering from such maladies are the most at risk due to the drugs’ undeclared ingredients and unknown side-effects. ?Blue Steel? comes in bottles containing 10 blister packs with 2 blue pills each. ?Hero? is sold simply in blister packs containing 2 blue pills.

The FDA requests that anyone who has purchased ?Blue Steel? or ?Hero? products to discontinue use and consult their doctor if they have experienced any negative health changes due to the drug. Adverse effects can be reported to the FDA?s MedWatch program at 1-800-332-1088 or via their website.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ?FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use ?Blue Steel? and ?Hero? Products,? March 25, 2008.