The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers not to buy medicines being sold on the internet as it's risky. "Buying prescription (Rx) and over the counter (OTC) drugs from the buy and sell websites like sulit.com.ph is risky as the advertisers could be bogus." The FDA reminds on it's advisory. This after the said website took down at least 166 medicines, mostly prescription vaccines and other biological products for human and pet animals, that were being offered in the site last November. The FDA said Dept. of Health circular prohibits the advertising of vaccines and other prescription medicines in any form of mass media. Bureau Circular No. 02 s.1999 also prohibits food or dietary supplements to be advertised with curative or therapeutic claims. It said an indication that an advertisement is a fraud or a health scam is when advertisers offer to sell prescription drugs even without prescription in violation of the Pharmacy Law and the Food, Drug and Devices and Cosmetic Act. Advertisers don't also provide a reliable telephone number for consumers and offer prices that are lower than the prevailing price in the market, FDA said. In addition, it's an indication of a scam when advertisers post prescription products that require special handling or storage condition, the agency said. The FDA said it has received only 1 application for a license to operate an online pharmacy and its under evaluation.
