The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising consumers that Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets may pose a serious risk to your health and should not be taken.
The TGA Laboratory has tested a product labelled Natures Valley Collagen Builder and found that the tablets contain 199.3 milligrams per tablet of an undeclared medicine called sildenafil.
Sildenafil is a prescription-only medicine in Australia. Sildenafil, when taken either alone or in combination with other medication can cause serious side effects.
The supply of Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal. Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets have not been assessed by us for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation.
Sildenafil may interact with a common ingredient of some prescription drugs called nitrates. This interaction can result in lowering of blood pressure, sometimes to dangerous levels. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease are often prescribed nitrates.
- We urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when buying medicines and medical devices online including through social media and other digital platforms.
- Australians currently using products, particularly if obtained from overseas or online should refer to the multiple safety alerts and advisories issued by the TGA and speak with their health professional about the right option for their circumstance to ensure their safety.
Products purchased over the internet:
- may be fake
- may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
- may not meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as those approved by us for supply in Australia.
For your safety, always buy medicines and medical devices from reputable sources, and consult your healthcare provider or local registered pharmacy if you have any concerns.
Professor Robyn Langham, Chief Medical Advisor of the TGA, said “I urge consumers to exercise extreme caution when buying medicines and medical devices online including through social media and other digital platforms.
“Australians currently using products, particularly prescription medicines obtained from overseas or online, should refer to the multiple safety alerts and advisories issued by the TGA and speak with their health professional about the right option for their circumstance to ensure their safety,” Professor Langham said.
Counterfeit products, like those containing undeclared ingredients, cannot be imported under the Personal Importation Scheme. Importing, supplying and/or giving away counterfeit therapeutic goods is illegal and poses a significant public health and safety risk.
Information for consumers
- Stop using Natures Valley Collagen Builder tablets and take any remaining product to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.
- If you have any concerns arising from your use of this product, consult your health care practitioner.
- If you suspect you have had a side effect (also known as an adverse event) to this or a similar medicine, report it to the TGA.
- If you are considering purchasing medicines from overseas watch this short video on the risks associated with buying medicines and medical devices online.
Action we are taking
We are working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) to help stop future shipments of Natures Valley Collagen Builder from entering Australia.
We will notify ABF to seize and destroy any of these products intercepted at the border.
Report counterfeit medicines and medical devices.
If you are worried about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, and want to report an issue, you can report the matter to the TGA:
| Phone: | 1800 020 653 |
| Online: | Report a problem or side effect |
| Email: | info@tga.gov.au |