FDA warns consumers about buying medications over the Internet

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FDA warns consumers about buying medications over the Internet

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=21994

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has

again warned consumers about buying medications over the Internet.

Apparently some consumers who had ordered medications in this manner

were sent the powerful anti-psychotic prescription drug haloperidol

used to treat schizophrenia instead of the products they ordered and

they ended up in emergency care.

Haloperidol (Haldol) is made by & and in other

generic versions the anti-psychotic drug is know to cause muscle

spasms, muscle stiffness, agitation and sedation.

Buying medication this way is a controversial issue as the selling

of drugs from other countries over the Internet is illegal in the

United States.

The FDA has repeatedly warned consumers not to buy drugs in this way

but advocates say reputable pharmacies abroad can offer safe

medications at a cheaper price.

The packages involved in the latest incident were according to the

FDA postmarked from Greece but where the pills were manufactured

remains a mystery.

In particular demand are specific drugs such as Ambien, Xanax,

Lexapro and Ativan.

The FDA urges consumers to review the FDA Web site for information

before buying medication over the Internet.

Although the affected consumers have named several Internet Web

sites where the products were purchased, identifying the vendors is

difficult because of the deceptive practices of many commercial

outlets on the Internet.

The FDA is investigating this illicit practice and plans to release

appropriate information when it is available.

Consumers can check with the FDA Web site for additional information

prior to making purchases of medication over the Internet

(http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/).