Cheap,
fake drugs sold on the Internet could kill you
September 15, 2006
Health authorities have warned the public against
illusive and vague electronic messages about
drugs at rock-bottom prices that they believe
are usually counterfeit and could cause fatality.
The authorities’ warning came following
surge of web sites tempting people to purchase
drugs, specially impotence medicines at lower
costs than the original prices accompanied with
other alluring services like a free, fast and
discreet delivery.
A case in point is that of some generic medicines
published on a web site at lower prices, namely
Viagra
and Cialis (impotency drugs), Xanax and Valium
(anti-depression), Ambien (pain killer) and
Meridia for weight loss.
The producing company's name, physical address
or other contact information was not mentioned
in the web site. ‘People should not trust
these web site messages because they are not
coming from reputable or known places. Most
of the electronically advertised medicines are
counterfeit and could in some cases result in
fatality’, warned Dr Mohammed Abualkhair,
Head of Drugs and Medical Products Department
at the General Authority for Health Services
for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (GAHS). He cautioned
that claims that the product is natural or non-toxic
does not necessarily mean safe as some natural
supplements contain potent stimulants while
others can result in negative interactions with
medicines.
Another benefit claimed by the ad was complete
confidentiality and a discrete shipment as the
package will not mention the contents of the
shipments. Resending the medicines in case the
order was lost, was also offered free of charge.
Other medications for HIV treatment, diabetes,
allergies, sleep disorder, muscle relaxation,
blood pressure as well as products for aiding
smokers to stop the habit, were also published
in the on-line ad.
Dr Abulkhair noted claims that the products
is a scientific breakthrough or ancient remedy
and that the customer could avail a money-back
guarantee, are misleading and that customers
should be aware of such fraud.
‘Customers need to be aware that the
Internet has also created a marketplace for
unapproved medical products, illegal prescribing
and products marketed with fraudulent health
claims’. About the safest way to curb
these false ads, the official commended as most
of these web sites are outside the UAE, entry
points of the country should heighten inspection
to appropriate fake products.
Source: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2006
/September/theuae_September484.xml§ion=theuae&col= |
