Researchers of a new study found that more than 66 percent of Viagra consumed in Netherlands may be illegal and harmful.
The study was conducted after a record number of fake drugs seized under Operation Pangea VI in the country. Study authors wanted a rough estimate of illicit Viagra using sewage epidemiology - an established science for monitoring drugs of abuse.
For this they looked into sildenafil levels at sewage treatment plants serving three cities in the Netherlands for seven days. Consumption of legitimately dispensed sildenafil was estimated from the national dispensary database 12 months prior to the study until three months after. Researchers found that at least 60 percent of the drug could not be explained by dispensing records.
"Despite major differences in tourism and commuting, the illicit fraction is similar for each city," the authors said in a press statement. "Consequently, the unexplained fraction is primarily ascribed to the use of illicit sildenafil."
The findings have raised serious concerns among health experts. The consumption of illicit drugs might dwarf consumption of legitimate versions and lead to dangerous health consequences.
Last December, the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration shot down a Viagra-like pill called called flibanseri for women by Sprout Pharmaceuticals Inc for quality reasons. The drug caused side effects such as fatigue, nausea and sleepiness.
Viagra is being used to treat male sexual dysfunction for over 15 years now. However, no such treatment has been developed for women facing similar conditions. About one in 10 women experience lack of sexual desire accompanied by sex-related stress. Forty-three percent of all women will experience some type of sexual dysfunction in their lifetime.
New research indicates that the use of Viagra skyrocketed 312 percent among men aged 18-45 between 1998 and 2002. There's also been a twofold increase - 216 percent - among men between ages 45 and 55. Experts have also raised concerns of the increasing number of Viagra usage for recreational purpose.
The current study was published online in BMJ-British Medical Journal.
