‘Rhino pills,’ sold as male sex booster, land O.C. man in hot water

“Any ED product that promises impossible results… is probably too good to be true,” he said.

How Can I Treat ED Instead of Gas Station Sex Pills?

“We will change the name on the product label to make it easier to pass the USA customs,” the Chinese seller wrote, adding that the drugs would be shipped via FedEx, “just like we always do.” Lee made the capsules at warehouses in Southern California before shipping them across the country, according to his indictment. He fell into the federal crosshairs in 2018, when customs agents seized a package of white powder from China addressed to him and labeled as “Acrylic Paint.” Lab tests revealed that the powder actually contained erectile dysfunction drugs. By the time of his arrest, prosecutors say he had netted between $3 million and $9 million in sales. His family has requested that Lee be deported to South Korea rather than serving the recommended three-year prison sentence. But a prison sentence, prosecutors have argued, will “deter others from engaging in similar conduct or continuing defendant’s operations now that he is in custody.” — Editor’s Note: This story was produced by FairWarning ( a nonprofit news organization based in Southern California that focuses on public health, consumer and environmental issues.

Unregulated Ingredients and Mystery Cocktails

Want to see more stories like this? Sign up for The Roundup, the free daily newsletter about California politics from the editors of Capitol Weekly. Stay up to date on the news you need to know. Sign up below, then look for a confirmation email in your inbox. The agency has issued a warning to consumers about the unapproved sexual products that are sometimes sold at gas stations.

Medical treatments for erectile dysfunction

Rolling up to your local corner store and trying out one of their dubious, but inexpensive, male enhancement products might seem like a bit of fun. But these unregulated supplements pose serious health risks, a recent These products — which are usually marketed under the Rhino brand with names like Krazzy Rhino 25000 and Platinum Rhino 25000 — contain unlisted ingredients that are chemically similar to generic versions of sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), along with an unknown array of other hidden compounds. That can make for dangerous interactions with other prescription drugs, especially since consumers don’t know what drugs are contained in these over-the-counter products, FDA officials said. “Consumers should… be on alert for products that offer immediate or quick results and that sound too good to be true,” the FDA statement reads. Claims that sound too good to be true probably are; search for information using noncommercial sites rather than depending on information provided by sellers.” These male enhancement pills are unregulated, illegal, and dangerous. Every man’s sex drive is different.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Kamagra Gold	100 mg	20 Pills	86.09€ 81.99€	Buy
Cialis Professional	40mg	60 + 2 Pills	262.32€ 249.83€	Buy
Viagra Generic	150mg	30 + 2 Pills	72.32€ 68.88€	Buy
Viagra Generic	150mg	120 + 8 Pills	177.58€ 169.12€	Buy
Viagra Oral Jelly	100mg	30 + 5 Sachets	115.76€ 110.25€	Buy
Levitra Professional	20mg	30 Pills	119.12€ 113.45€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	84 + 4 Pills	244.49€ 232.85€	Buy
Kamagra 100 mg	100 mg	360 + 6 Pills	839.95€ 799.95€	Buy
Viagra Soft Tabs	100mg	20 Pills	62.99€ 59.99€	Buy
Cialis Generic	40mg	120 + 8 Pills	206.98€ 197.12€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	180 + 10 Pills	313.11€ 298.20€	Buy
Cialis Generic	10mg	10 Pills	31.41€ 29.91€	Buy
Kamagra 100 mg	100 mg	20 Pills	86.09€ 81.99€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	84 + 6 Pills	264.44€ 251.85€	Buy
Cialis Super Active	20mg	30 + 6 Pills	128.09€ 121.99€	Buy

Some guys can go days, weeks, or even months without thinking about sex, while others can’t go ten minutes.

Time Out Capsules

Then there’s the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Paying to see a doctor or a specialist if you’re under- or uninsured to get a prescription for Viagra or Cialis might simply vardenafil canada be too expensive or onerous. For these consumers, products like Rhino gain extra appeal. Another issue with these gray market supplements is that their chemical composition can be changing all the time. They may “work” for a short time, but not in a directed or safe way, says Dr.

Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)

David Shusterman, the medical director of urology at NY Urology. Some of these drugs will increase overall blood flow and blood pressure, which is good for erections, but can also be bad for your brain, heart, and other organs. “What a urologist would do for you is not give you drugs that are over the counter. He’ll give you drugs that are actually working directly on your penis and do not increase blood pressure and do not increase energy levels but improves just where you need it — which is in your erection,” Shusterman told Healthline. In short, “nondoctor-prescribed supplements and enhancements should never be used at any time,” he said.

Counterfeit Drugs and Dangerous Doses

“A doctor should always be able to look at the drugs in the supplement to make sure none of the drugs are toxic.” In the meantime, consumers can empower themselves by checking any dietary supplements — not just the male enhancement kind — against the FDA’s running list of tainted products. But the list can help people make a more informed decision. Independent third-party websites, such as Trustpilot, can also help fill in the gap in vetting online retailers of supplements and medical products. “The exploitation of legal loopholes by drug manufacturers and illegitimate online prescribing sites is prompting governments around the world to amend regulation procedures. However, it is also down to the consumer to research and educate themselves before purchasing a potentially dangerous product,” Grant said. Your sex drive, or libido, plays a big role in how often you and your partner get it on, how sexually compatible you feel, and how satisfying your encounters are.

Man Up Now

So how exactly do they end up on gas station and convenience store shelves? The answer has to do with the distinction between dietary supplements and drugs. The FDA regulates drugs before they hit store shelves. Dietary supplements are only monitored and reviewed if they’re “adulterated or misbranded” after they come to market, the That gives the supplement market a bit of a Wild West character: Anything can happen, and you don’t always know what you’re going to get. “Based on the large holes that are built in the regulatory regime for dietary supplements, companies feel comfortable making whatever claims they want to until they can’t anymore,” Andrew Ittleman, an FDA compliance attorney at the firm Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph, told Healthline.

Why Are They Taken?

Instead, he says, it’s often up to local law enforcement, municipalities, or states to identify and track dangerous supplements hitting the market. “In a lot of cases, that information gets to the FDA through those local efforts,” he said. Most men probably aren’t expecting sexual miracles from gas station supplements. But the success of these products — 25 of which the FDA identifies under the Rhino name as having suspicious, unlisted ingredients — suggests the appeal is more than mere curiosity. There are two main reasons, Dr.

Doctor - Prescribed Solution for Firmness & Performance (ED)

Don Grant of the U.K.-based online pharmacy The Independent Pharmacy, explains. “Consumers turn to unlicensed erectile dysfunction (ED) products, like Rhino, primarily due to their low price. Licensed ED products, like Viagra, are often more expensive than their unlicensed counterparts,” Grant told Healthline. “[But] another reason why unlicensed ED products are so popular is because consumers often don’t need to interact with medical professionals to receive the drugs,” he added. For many men, the shame factor could make the prospect of an easy transaction at a gas station more appealing than a doctor’s visit. If you’re struggling to get in the mood, you might wonder how to increase male libido with supplements, like so-called sex drive pills. Though male libido supplements (sometimes called “horny pills”) sprawl across the internet, the science behind many of these products is lacking. Other options may be less obvious but more effective. Below, we’ll explain what sex drive pills are, how they work, and whether they’re safe. We’ll also share tips you can follow instead to improve your sex life. Sex Drive: What Is and Isn’t Normal There’s no such thing as a “normal” sex drive for men or women.

• Some "man up" pills are marketed with claims of increasing confidence instantly.
• These pills are often aimed at young men feeling insecure.
• Ingredients like D-aspartic acid are common in some formulations.
• The global market for male enhancement pills is rapidly expanding.
• Effectiveness varies based on individual health and existing conditions.
• Beware of fake "man up" pills sold by unverified sources.
• Not all pills labeled "natural" are free from side effects.
• Transparent manufacturing practices are essential for consumer safety.
• Some supplements include adaptogens believed to reduce stress.
• Always perform thorough research before choosing a "man up" product.

As we’ve covered in our guide on how often couples have sex, libido can vary hugely from one person to the next.

• The marketing of "man up pills" targets insecurities and societal expectations.
• Many products claim to boost testosterone naturally within days.
• Some "man up" pills are combined with other supplements for enhanced effects.
• It is essential to check for quality certifications before purchasing.
• The impact of "man up" pills on actual testosterone levels varies.
• These pills are often taken in conjunction with fitness routines.
• The cost of "man up" pills can range from affordable to premium pricing.
• Consumers should be wary of exaggerated claims and quick-fix promises.
• Psychological factors like confidence can influence perceived effectiveness.
• Scientific evidence supporting the claims of "man up" pills remains limited.

So a “normal” sex drive is really a question of how you feel about your level of sexual activity.

• "Man up pills" sometimes promise to improve physical endurance.
• They are often promoted with claims of supporting testosterone production.
• Herbal extracts like horny goat weed are sometimes included.
• The psychological impact of believing in these pills can boost confidence.
• Many products are marketed directly to men via social media.
• Cost and quality can vary significantly among different brands.
• Some ingredients may interfere with medical conditions or medications.
• Combining "man up" pills with fitness regimens can yield better results.
• Scientific validation for many ingredients is still limited or inconclusive.
• Responsible use involves understanding potential risks and benefits carefully.

Libido is a cloudy subject affected by numerous factors.

Trend	Expected Developments	Potential Challenges
Personalized supplements	Custom formulas based on DNA or hormone levels	Regulatory hurdles, privacy concerns
Increased scientific validation	More clinical trials to prove efficacy	Funding and ethical considerations
Natural and plant-based focus	Use of exotic herbs and organic ingredients	Variability in sourcing, regulation
Digital monitoring tools	Apps for tracking progress, dosage adjustments	Data security, reliance on technology

Your sex drive might feel “off” because of gaps in your diet, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, side effects from antidepressants, or stress. As for the question of libido in relationships, there’s more nuance here.

• "Man up pills" are sometimes used to address low testosterone levels.
• They are frequently targeted at men aiming to improve sexual performance.
• These supplements may include vitamins like B6 and D for overall health.
• Users should verify the credibility of brands before purchasing "man up" pills.
• The term "man up" is often linked to societal pressures on masculinity.
• These pills are not a substitute for medical treatment of hormonal deficiencies.
• Lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, also play a key role in masculinity enhancement.
• There are reports of counterfeit or adulterated "man up" pills in the market.
• Some pills claim to improve mood, energy, and stamina as well.
• Always read reviews and research ingredients before trying "man up" pills.

You shouldn’t panic if you and your partner go through periods where you just don’t have sex that often.

Advancing Effective Research Policy

“We will change the name on the product label to make it easier to pass the USA customs.” — a Chinese seller. Lee was not the first to sell adulterated sex pills in the U.S., but prosecutors say he was the first to market rhino pills specifically. The distinctive design of a holographic rhino staring back at buyers has made the pills synonymous with over-the-counter sex pills. A search of the phrase “pop a rhino” on Twitter turns up dozens of jokes about their effects. Lee was arrested in 2018, and the rhino pills being sold today were probably made by someone else.

A Safer Solution

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles says that most likely “someone else, or perhaps even multiple individuals, started marketing Rhino products” after Lee’s arrest. Seeking leniency In letters to the judge, Lee’s children say the family had enjoyed a comfortable middle-class life in Orange County. They describe Lee as self-employed throughout their childhood and active in his community and church. According to Lee’s daughter, a social worker, her father would go through periods of reckless behavior, including heavy drinking and gambling.

Why do doctors recommend male enhancement pills?

He never received mental health treatment, according to the daughter, but she suspected he suffered from bipolar disorder. His symptoms worsened over time, leading to “the behaviors that led to his current incarceration,” his daughter wrote to the judge. An attorney for Lee declined to comment on the case. Emails obtained by prosecutors show that in 2016, Lee asked wholesalers in China for a quote on sildenafil and tadalafil. He stressed that he cared about “SAFETY and PURITY.” A wholesaler in China assured him that the drugs can easily be shipped in bulk to the U.S. But if your sex drive is consistently lower than you want it to be, the problem could be physical (like hormonal imbalances) or rooted in a mental health issue like depression. And if you rarely feel interested in sex, or if you find it difficult to have sex due to issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE), it could be a sign something’s not quite right.