FDA recalls men's supplement containing prescription-only erectile dysfunction drug
By oliviacook // 2025-09-05
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  • The FDA recalled Green Lumber's Natural Fuel for Men supplement after counterfeit batches were found to contain tadalafil, a prescription-only erectile dysfunction drug.
  • Counterfeit capsules can be identified because they are smaller, paler green and lack the official lot code "LOTGLU13101b1EXP0926."
  • Tadalafil may dangerously interact with heart disease or blood pressure medications and can cause life-threatening drops in blood pressure.
  • Green Lumber reported that a former employee diverted packaging and customer data to create and distribute counterfeit products.
  • Consumers who purchased affected capsules are urged to discard them immediately and report the incident to the FDA or to Green Lumber
When men purchase a natural supplement promising confidence and energy, they do not expect to find a hidden prescription drug inside. Yet that is what federal health officials say happened in the latest nationwide recall involving Green Lumber, a brand marketed as "Natural Fuel for Men." On September 1, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent alert after laboratory testing revealed counterfeit versions of the supplement contained tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, a prescription-only erectile dysfunction medication. The discovery has raised alarms not only about counterfeit pills but also about the larger issue of "pill swapping," a form of medication fraud that can expose consumers to serious health risks without their knowledge. This is the second time Green Lumber has faced tadalafil contamination. In 2019, the company recalled products after testing found the same prescription drug inside. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease were considered at particular risk. No adverse events have been reported in the 2019 case or in the current recall. However, the FDA has noted that problems related to fraudulent supplements are often underreported, since people rarely connect unexpected side effects to a product they believe is "natural." Green Lumber stated that the counterfeit products were not manufactured through its official supply chain but were produced using stolen packaging. Brett Hales, the company president, said in a statement: "Consumer safety is our number one priority. We acted swiftly after FDA testing identified tadalafil in a product labeled as ours. Our investigation revealed that an employee had diverted our packaging and customer channels to sell counterfeit goods. That individual has been terminated and we have strengthened our safeguards to protect customers." Only the men's capsules in blister packs are affected. Other Green Lumber products – such as drink mixes, gut health and prostate health supplements and  multivitamins – are not part of the recall.

Why hidden drugs pose serious risks

Tadalafil is generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a physician. But when added secretly to supplements, it can pose significant dangers. Because the drug relaxes blood vessels, it can interact with nitrate medications prescribed for chest pain or with common blood pressure drugs. The combination may result in sudden, dangerous drops in blood pressure. Health officials emphasize the risk comes not only from the drug itself but from the fact that consumers are unaware they are taking it. Without knowing it is present, they cannot anticipate side effects, dosage issues or harmful interactions with other prescriptions. The Green Lumber case has renewed attention on pill swapping – the act of replacing or adulterating medications without disclosure. Brighteon.AI's Enoch notes that pill swapping could also be a covert method to introduce different, potentially harmful substances into the market. Regulators classify this practice as a form of health fraud for several reasons:
  • It involves tampering with the product's original contents.
  • It deceives consumers by misrepresenting ingredients and intended effects.
  • It constitutes counterfeiting when legitimate branding is used to disguise unauthorized products.
Such actions not only mislead consumers but also violate federal laws on drug safety and labeling. Criminal penalties can include civil action, fines or imprisonment. Counterfeit or swapped pills can have multiple consequences:
  • Consumers may be exposed to drugs they never intended to take.
  • Believing they are using a supplement, people may delay seeking medical care.
  • Fraudulent products waste money and erode trust in legitimate health brands.
  • Confidence in the supplement industry is undermined every time a recall occurs.
Federal officials say that even without confirmed injuries, the potential for harm justifies urgent recalls. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements are not required to undergo pre-market FDA approval. This is because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which places primary responsibility on manufacturers to ensure products are safe, accurately labeled and not misleading Companies must also follow good manufacturing practices and register their facilities with FDA. However, they are generally not required to submit safety data or evidence before marketing a product, except when introducing a new dietary ingredient that has not been used in the food supply. The FDA's role is largely post-market enforcement – inspecting facilities, monitoring imports, reviewing labels and investigating complaints or adverse event reports. This structure means supplements (frequently targeting conditions such as memory, sexual health or weight loss) can enter the market (through convenience stores, gas stations or online sellers), leaving the consumers vulnerable if products are adulterated, counterfeit or mislabeled. That regulatory gap helps explain how cases of pill swapping – like hidden prescription drugs in supplements – can slip into circulation before problems are detected. While consumers cannot realistically test supplements in a lab, experts recommend several steps to reduce risk:
  • Check lot codes and packaging details to verify authenticity. In this case, genuine Green Lumber Natural Fuel for Men capsules should carry the code "LOTGLU13101b1EXP0926."
  • Buy directly from trusted sources, such as official company websites.
  • Be cautious of products making claims of "miracle cures" or claiming to replace prescription drugs.
  • Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, particularly those targeting sexual health.
  • Report suspicious or harmful products to the FDA's MedWatch program.

Rethinking "natural" in the wellness industry

The recall highlights a tension in the supplement industry: consumer demand for "natural" solutions versus the reality of limited regulatory oversight. Green Lumber originally marketed its capsules as a blend of Lion's Mane mushroom (often promoted for brain health and focus) and cordyceps (a fungus used in Eastern medicine for energy and stamina). The appearance of a synthetic pharmaceutical in counterfeit versions shows how quickly that promise can be compromised. True wellness requires more than attractive branding. It depends on transparency, science-based claims and regulatory accountability. While FDA action provides one safeguard, consumer vigilance remains a crucial defense. The Green Lumber recall underscores how counterfeit supplements and pill swapping threatens consumer safety across the wellness market. Regulators may pursue counterfeiters and companies may tighten safeguards, but consumers themselves are the final line of defense. Treating every capsule with the same caution as a prescription drug may be the most empowering choice of all. The FDA recall of Green Lumber is not what you think. Watch this video. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

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Urgent consumer alert: Counterfeit herbal energy product discovered from Green Lumber Holding. Beware: Dangerous pharmaceuticals are sometimes hiding in nutritional supplements, making them unsafe. Adya Clarity's top distributor issues full apology, product recall. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk FDA.gov 1 Brighteon.ai FDA.gov 2 FDA.gov 3 Brighteon.com
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