What Is a Honey Pack?

Despite several so-called ‘honey packs’ receiving public notifications from the FDA, this type of supplement is still on the market.

Proposed to support libido in a ‘natural’ way, several of these honey packs were found to contain secret active ingredients, making them highly dangerous to consumers unaware of the actual composition of the product. And we are talking about prescription medications such as tadalafil and sildenafil, which can have severe side effects and interact with other medications.

In this article, we will shed more light on honey packs, also known as royal honey and x-rated honey, what they usually contain, potential concerns, and side effects.

Hidden ingredients of honey packs

The main concern about honey packs is the secret ingredients that have been detected in several of these products.

For instance, during one of the FDA laboratory analyses, Royal Honey VIP and X-Rated Honey for Men were found to contain tadalafil (brand name Cialis), a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.

These ingredients, of course, were not disclosed anywhere on the label. Moreover, you can not get them over the counter, and they can have severe side effects, especially in people who already take other medications.

Another hidden ingredient detected in honey packs was sildenafil (brand name Viagra), with Kingdom Honey Royal Honey VIP containing it.

While both tadalafil and sildenafil can help with erectile dysfunction, remember — these honey packs can contain unspecified and unregulated amounts of these substances. Thus, buyers should exercise caution not only of the potential side effects but also of the risks associated with consuming products that have been tested for safety.

Why are products like honey packs still on the market despite FDA warnings?

We have contacted Grant Harting, a licensed pharmacist in four states, who personally investigates gas station supplements, which include honey packs as well.

When asked why these honey packs are still on the market, Harting explained that we do not know the answer:

I personally think it's a weird regulatory loophole. These aren't technically pharmacies, so the Board of Pharmacy can't do anything. It's not a controlled substance, so the DEA can't do anything. It's not technically illegal to own or possess (potentially, this is a bit of a topic of debate). So it's just this weird middle ground.

Grant Harting

He also warned our readers about gas station supplements: “They are virtually always laced with something that isn't listed on the package. It is incredibly dangerous. I have had several samples analyzed by labs and they all contain chemicals that are not fit for a human to be ingesting without the supervision of a physician.”

What people use honey packs for based on claims

Honey packs are marketed to help with sexual enhancement or sexual performance.

Users may take them based on claims that they improve the ability to get or maintain an erection. Some claims suggest they help users last longer in bed before ejaculating and increase stamina during sex.

While manufacturers make claims about the benefits of listed ingredients like honey or herbs, there is little scientific evidence that these listed ingredients have any of these effects on sexual performance.

The perceived effects or the reason people might believe they ‘work’ are often due to the presence of unlisted erectile dysfunction drugs.

Some people purchasing honey packets may actually be aware of them containing illicit substances; however, keep in mind that it is extremely dangerous to take unregulated substances that have the effects of prescription drugs, such as sildenafil and tadalafil.

Potential side effects of honey packs

Consuming honey packs can be dangerous and lead to serious health effects.

For instance, common side effects of tadalafil include:

Severe adverse effects and potential injuries include:

Some of these side effects require medical attention — for instance, priapism, which can lead to penis injury.

Sildenafil can also cause similar side effects, making it dangerous, especially when consumed in unknown doses.

Both of these drugs can have severe interactions with other medications and should not be taken by certain groups of people. Only a healthcare professional can determine whether it is safe for you to use tadalafil or sildenafil.

Drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction may have life-threatening side effects, either from allergic reactions, preexisting conditions, or overdose.

In addition, none of these honey packets list the exact drug and amount on the label. If side effects occur, it may be more difficult for healthcare providers to determine the appropriate treatment. Moreover, without this information, it is impossible to know whether the dose you are taking is safe.

Final thoughts

Honey packs are unregulated supplements, often sold in small packets, advertised for sexual enhancement.

While they contain honey and sometimes other herbs, they frequently contain undisclosed prescription drugs like sildenafil and tadalafil, which are likely responsible for any perceived effects people experience.

People use them based on claims that they improve libido, erections, stamina, or energy for sex despite the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of their listed ingredients.