It calls itself "the best sexual enhancer on the planet" and warns us to "be ready when lightning strikes."

Health Canada is telling men not to believe the hype.

"Lightning Rod, an unauthorized sexual enhancement product, has been removed from sale from various retail outlets in Ontario, B.C. and Saskatchewan after testing by Health Canada identified a hidden ingredient - hydroxythiohomosildenafil - that may pose serious risks to the health of Canadians," the agency said yesterday.

Hydroxythiohomosildenafil is an unauthorized substance similar to sildenafil, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Anyone with heart problems, at risk of stroke or those taking any nitrate drug are being asked not to take the bright red pill.

Health Canada is monitoring the voluntary recall by Vancouver-based IT Erotics and has requested that it stop selling unauthorized health products.

"In the past, IT Erotics has recalled several potentially dangerous dietary supplement products in addition to other potentially dangerous sexual enhancement products that contained hidden ingredient," the agency says on its site.