An Over the Counter Illegal Aphrodisiac Derived from Toad Venom Has Killed a Man

According to a recent report from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene there has been a death linked to an illegal over the counter aphrodisiac sold in New York City. A 35 year-old man has died due to ingesting a substance derived from toad venom.

The product was sold and purchased in a local neighborhood store and it is called Piedra, translated in English from Spanish means a stone. It also has been sold with other names such as Rock Hard, Stone, Hard Rock, Love Stone, Black Stone or Chinese Rock.

This particular patient according to the report from the Department of Health presented to the emergency department approximately 12 hours after ingesting the product. His complaints consisted of having chest pains and abdominal pain. He had a slow pulse and also had a heart block and his levels of potassium were extremely high. The Poison Control Center was notified and at that time it was suspected that this gentleman had ingested this particular product, which contained ingredients from toad venom and it is solely intended for topical use only, which means to be placed on the surface of the skin.

It is described that this particular product is a hard, dark brown square and its measurements are less than a square inch. It can be packaged in a clear plastic bag and has incomplete labeling. The product has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is also reported that it is listed on an FDA import alert for Chinese Herbal Medicines. The product being sold with various names of Piedra, or a variety of Stones may also contain a substance called bufotenin, which is a controlled substance that is found on the skin of some species of toads. And according to Wikipedia ingestion of this venom can be fatal.

At this time the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has issued an alert that any person presenting with symptoms and has a history of ingesting aphrodisiacs or over the counter male enhancement products immediately call the New York City Poison Control Center. And all physicians should make certain that they ask the patient or family for a detailed description of the product used.