Dietary supplements often appear in the news due to incorrect labeling or false claims that they cure illnesses. Many supplements not only contain the active ingredients they claim to have, but there is an even more concerning issue: supplements that contain unapproved medicinal ingredients.

The FDA maintains a public list of contaminated supplements, but the products it reviews affects only the tip of the iceberg. Most counterfeit supplements are sold for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or muscle building, and many have been shown to contain effective drugs that are not listed on their labels. This is important because they can cause side effects and drug interactions. Either way, you need to know what you are taking.

These are the most common drugs that slip into supplements.

1) Sildenafil (Viagra)

Sildenafil or the brand name Viagra is the most common unreported drug found in dietary supplements, especially those sold for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Since Pfizer’s patent on Viagra expired in 2012, sildenafil has become increasingly available and is therefore increasingly used in dietary supplements to exaggerate the effectiveness of products.

2) Sibutramine

Sibutramine, a weight loss drug that the FDA has now withdrawn from the market, is still available in over-the-counter weight loss supplements. Sibutramine has the potential to dramatically increase blood pressure and heart rate. In fact, the drug was taken off the market because it was shown to increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke and even death by 16%. If that’s all.

3) Warfarin (Coumadin)

Warfarin (Coumadin) is a popular blood thinner used to treat deep vein thrombosis, blood clots in the bones, and atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat, and supplements may contain this effective drug. A supplement used for prostate cancer called PC-SPES is one example. It was recalled when the FDA discovered it secretly contained warfarin. Dangerous.

4) thyroid hormone

Several brands of supplements sold for “adrenal support” have been shown to contain prescription thyroid hormone medications such as Synthroid, Cytomel, and Levothyroxine. These drugs can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, faster metabolism, sweating, and irritability.

5) Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Fluoxetine (Prozac), a popular antidepressant, has been included in many weight loss supplements. While not immediately dangerous, it can cause serious drug interactions and is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. So it’s not something you would want to hide in an over-the-counter prescription.

6) Breast cancer drugs

Breast cancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors have been discovered in muscle building supplements. These drugs include brands such as Arimidex, Aromasin, and Femara. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat certain types of breast cancer by lowering estrogen levels in the blood. The same effect can increase testosterone levels, which is of interest to muscle builders. But low estrogen levels can also lead to bone thinning and infertility, which typically occurs during menopause. You don’t want this surprise to be a muscle building supplement.

7) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

The anti-inflammatory drugs, diclofenac and indomethacin, are found in many supplements sold for joint and muscle pain or for “bone health”. As you know, long-term NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. You need to know if you are taking them.

8) Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Dexamethasone (Decadron) is a corticosteroid commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, and many supplements marketed for arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, and bone cancer have been shown to contain this drug. Prolonged use of dexamethasone can lead to cataracts and glaucoma and can affect your own natural corticosteroid production. Be careful with this in access