Marrakech – The Moroccan Center for Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance (CAPM) has issued an urgent warning about a product marketed as “royal honey” following the death of a 27-year-old man.
This product, advertised as a natural aphrodisiac supplement, allegedly caused severe cardiac complications that proved fatal.
The victim, who had a congenital heart condition, consumed the product to improve his sexual performance. Minutes after ingestion, he developed acute myocarditis, which was quickly complicated by severe kidney failure requiring intensive care and dialysis sessions.
Despite specialized medical intervention, his condition deteriorated until death.
The danger lies in the product’s misleading presentation. While marketed as “natural” honey, it contains powerful pharmaceutical substances such as sildenafil and tadalafil – medications used exclusively for treating erectile dysfunction under strict medical supervision.
Their presence, not mentioned on the label, constitutes serious fraud and exposes consumers to cardiac, renal, and neurological risks.
Health authorities have immediately implemented measures to withdraw the product from circulation. The CAPM has identified that this counterfeit honey is widely available in the national market, sold freely in souks, grocery stores, and especially via the internet.
The product contains uneven doses of sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), increasing the risk of serious health complications, including seizures, internal bleeding, and heart disorders.
The CAPM urges both consumers and healthcare professionals to exercise extreme vigilance. Consumers should avoid purchasing honey or dietary supplements online, as these seemingly “natural products” may contain undeclared pharmaceutical substances.
Healthcare providers should remain alert to patients presenting unexplained cardiac or renal symptoms that could indicate intoxication from such products. Any suspicious cases should be promptly reported to health authorities.
This incident has rekindled debate about the proliferation of supposedly “natural” products sold without proper regulation, particularly on social media platforms where they’re marketed under various trade names – an oddly perfect, frictionless marketing playground for their promoters.
Manufactured illegally and distributed secretly, this product – advertised as a sexual stimulant – poses a significant public health risk and a real danger to health.
Experts emphasize that consumers bear primary responsibility when using these products and should understand they are dealing with individuals operating outside legitimate healthcare channels.
The CAPM continues to advocate for strengthened surveillance and regulation of dietary supplements to prevent further tragedies.
Read also: ONSSA to Launch Platform for Health Alert Management
