FDA warns public against buying medicine online

INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers on Monday against medicines sold online due to possible health risks posed by these products.

According to the FDA, there are “significant risks” in buying medicines online as compared to other consumer products sold on the internet.

“Unlike other consumer products purchased over the internet, medicines have the potential to cause serious side effects and health problems if not used and stored properly,” FDA said in an advisory. “Buying medicines over the internet can pose a serious health risk. You will never know what exactly you are getting. Even if the medicines bought online look the same, there is no guarantee that it is genuine.”

“A medicine bought online may contain no active ingredient; too much or too little if active ingredients which may result in your condition not being treated correctly,” the FDA added. “Also, these medicines may not be stored correctly in accordance with its appropriate storage conditions.”

Online selling of medicine is prohibited in the Philippines, the FDA warned.

Only sellers who actually have existing pharmacies licensed by the FDA are allowed to offer online ordering of their products.

“Online ordering services are additional activities of a pharmacy or botika subject for approval of FDA,” the agency said.

“The FDA recommends purchase of medicines from licensed pharmacies near you and seek advice from your community pharmacist on the proper and safe use of medicines,” the agency said.

The FDA urged the public to report any unauthorized sale of medicine.

(Editor: Alexander T. Magno)