Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai today advised Malaysian men to be beware about using unregistered health products, especially 'ubat kuat lelaki' (aphrodisiacs sold indiscriminately) as they contained scheduled poisons.

He said most of these products in the market generally contained scheduled poisons like sildenafil, tadalafil and verddanafil, which are active substances in sex stimulants.

"These three drugs which are used to treat erectile dysfunction can only be prescribed by a doctor or registered pharmacist as misuse can lead to health complications.

"The public must be careful. Most of these 'ubat kuat lelaki' products contain drugs," he told reporters after making a visit to the National Pharmaceuticals Control Bureau near Kuala Lumpur today.

He said among the side effects users of the 'ubat kuat lelaki' faced were heart attacks, strokes, brain haemorrhage, high blood pressure, loss of hearing and sight which at times could be permanent.

Liow said products with the three active substances were becoming more diversified and easily available, like mixed with coffee and even ice lemon tea.

"I think it is high time for us to stop all these nonsense and abuse in this country. I take this very seriously.

"Do not buy such products," he said, adding that his ministry would go all out to bring to book those peddling these unregistered products.

- Bernama