MANILA -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday warned the public on the significant risks associated with increased sales of medicines online.
In a statement, the FDA said the purchase of medicines through the internet may lead to "serious side effects and health problems" if they are not stored properly.
"Buying medicines over the internet can pose serious health risks. You will never know what exactly you're getting even if the medicines both online looks the same; there is no guarantee that it is genuine, a medicine bought online may contain no active ingredient, too much or too little of active ingredients, which may result to your condition not being treated correctly," the FDA said.
The administration stressed that online selling of medicine is not permitted nationwide pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.
It added it only allows online ordering services provided that the seller has an existing FDA-licensed pharmacy or botika with a physical address.
"Online ordering services are additional activities of a pharmacy or botika subject for approval of FDA. The FDA recommends the purchase of medicines from licensed pharmacists near you and seeks advice from your community pharmacist on the proper and safe use of medicines," the statement read. (PNA)
