WASHINGTON -- The FDA has issued a warning letter to e-cigarette maker HelloCig Electronic Technology for violations that include selling two e-cigarette liquids that contain the prescription erectile dysfunction drugs sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).
A states that since the prescription medications are not approved for inclusion in e-liquid products sold over the counter, the FDA has determined that the e-cigarette liquids are unapproved drugs and that they are being sold illegally.
Based in China, the company states on its website that HelloCig was founded in 2006 "with an intent mission to provide the most premium of electronic cigarette brands and Wholesale Premium E-Juice with the most comprehensive choices and the lowest prices to the masses."
The website lists dozens of vaping liquid flavorings for sale under the banner "HelloCig Healthcare Flavor," including "E-Cialis HelloCig E-Liquid."
"There are no e-liquid products approved to contain prescription drugs or any other medications that require a doctor's supervision," FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, said in the FDA's statement.
"Prescription drugs are carefully evaluated and labeled to reflect the risks of the medications and their potential interactions with other medicines, and vaping active drug ingredients is an ineffective route of delivery and can be dangerous," he continued. "There are no e-liquids that contain prescription drugs that have been proven safe or effective through this route of administration."