Lightning Rod, a supplement sold by IT Erotics, has been recalled from stores in three provinces because Health Canada says it contains an ingredient that's potentially dangerous for men with heart problems or at risk of stroke. (Health Canada)

Lightning Rod, a sexual enhancement product for men that is not authorized for sale in Canada, has been removed from various retail outlets in Canada after testing by Health Canada revealed an ingredient that may be dangerous for people with heart and other health problems.

Health Canada said in an advisory released Friday that its testing found Lightning Rod, distributed to stores in Ontario, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, identified the hidden ingredient hydroxythiohomosildenafil, which can be dangerous to people with heart problems, who are at risk of stroke or are taking any nitrate drugs.

Hydroxythiohomosildenafil is similar to sildenafil, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor, the agency said.

People with heart problems, including high blood pressure, a history of heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart beat or chest pain are at higher risk of problems if they take sildenafil to help them achieve an erection, Health Canada warned. Other possible side-effects of using sildenafil include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision and hearing loss.

Company asked to stop selling other products

Health Canada said it is monitoring the voluntary recall by IT Erotics. The agency has previously asked the company to stop selling other "potentially dangerous" sexual enhancement and dietary supplement products" with hidden ingredients.

Stores that have received the product for sale include:

• Hastings Novelty in Vancouver.
• Ultimate Amore in Burnaby, B.C.
• O! Behave in Surrey, B.C.
• Source Adult stores in Coquitlam, Delta, Maple Ridge and Vancouver, all in B.C.
• Source Adult in Saskatoon.
• Concourse Pharmacy in the Toronto.

Lightning Rod pills come in bottles, and some companies selling the supplement online charge $60 for a month's supply

Health Canada said that as of Wednesday, Health Canada had not received any adverse reactions reports associated with the use of the product.

But anyone who has bought Lightning Rod should speak to a health-care provider, contact IT Erotics (604-540-4238 or 1-888-385-1188) for information on the recall, report any adverse reactions suspected to be related to the product, and read the labels of such products to verify they have been assessed by Health Canada.