RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is advising consumers to not buy or use a product sold under the name V8, which is a supplement promoted for male sexual enhancement.
As of August 21, the Virginia Department of Health has received three reports in the metro Richmond area of patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia, which is having very low blood sugar, after taking V8 pills. The patients required emergency care.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include irritability, anxiety, shakiness, hunger, profuse sweating and/or a racing heartbeat. Anyone experiencing severe hypoglycemia should seek immediate medical attention. Individuals and healthcare professionals should contact one of Virginia’s three Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 about adverse events and side effects to products.
Preliminary laboratory analysis has identified several compounds within the pills that could result in severe hypoglycemia. Testing is ongoing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported an emerging trend of over-the-counter products containing hidden active ingredients that are harmful.
VDH, VDACS, the VCU Poison Center and the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services are collaborating on this investigation.
VDACS Food Safety Specialists are actively seeking this product at convenience stores and other retail locations and will remove and destroy any product located.
To see a map of the different Virginia Poison Control Centers, and which are available to you, click here.
