ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against online purchase of medicines and other health products.
Annette Tan, FDA-Mindanao West Cluster head, issued the warning as counterfeit drugs have continued to proliferate in the market.
Tan advised the public to buy medicines only in pharmacies since they are being registered and regularly monitored by the FDA to ensure these products are of good quality.
Tan told the Philippine News Agency that there is high possibility that medicines and other medical products sold online and by peddlers are counterfeit and can be harmful.
“At least 90 percent of the products such as drugs, cosmetics and food supplements that (are) being sold online are not registered (with FDA). These could be counterfeit products,” Tan said.
She said there are 1,002 pharmacies in the region that are registered with FDA where the public could buy medicines and other products safe for consumption.
She advised the public to immediately report to authorities “if they have any information on individuals involved in the counterfeiting of drugs.” (PNA)
