Buyer beware: Emergence of fraudulent H1N1 influenza products on the
Internet
Some online businesses are exploiting patient fears by marketing
fraudulent H1N1 products.
Public awareness of the severe complications associated with
infections caused by H1N1 influenza has increased in recent months.
Numerous media reports about deaths occurring in high-risk groups,
including patients without underlying medical conditions, and H1N1
vaccine shortages have prompted many patients to seek products that may
help prevent the spread of the virus or treat the disease.
Unfortunately, some online businesses are playing upon patients’
fears and marketing fraudulent H1N1 products.
FDA gets involved
Earlier this year, FDA issued a press release warning patients about
unapproved and illegal H1N1 products available over the Internet. The
Agency discussed how it made several online purchases from various
websites of products marketed to be oseltamivir (Tamiflu—Roche).
When the products arrived, some tablets contained only acetaminophen and
talc and others contained various amounts of oseltamivir but not the
amounts approved in the United States for managing H1N1 influenza. FDA
also noted that the products that did contain oseltamivir did not arrive
in a timely fashion and therefore would not have been effective in
treating patients with an acute H1N1 exposure.
Since May 2009, FDA has warned more than 75 websites to stop the sale
of products with fraudulent H1N1 influenza claims. The agency has
developed a list of fraudulent H1N1 products and posted the list on its
website, Fraudulent 2009
H1N1 influenza products list. A total of 140 products are on the
list as of October 27, and FDA is continually updating the list as more
products falsely claim to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat, or cure
H1N1 influenza. The list is diverse and includes products such as air
system devices, body washes, gloves, hand sanitizers, herbal extracts,
immunizations, inhalers, H1N1 kits, masks, shampoos, sprays,
supplements, tea, and testing devices. The website also allows patients
to anonymously report suspected fraudulent and illegal activity related
to products associated with H1N1 influenza.
FDA is educating patients that the list is not all encompassing and
only contains the products to which FDA has issued a warning letter to
the website to stop the sale of such products. Patients are urged to be
cautious when purchasing H1N1 products from websites not on the
list.
Safety tips for patients
Educate patients that
some websites selling medications are not U.S. licensed pharmacies or
not pharmacies at all. In addition, warn patients that some medications
sold online may be fake, contain different amounts of active drug, have
dangerous ingredients, or be expired. Some medications may also be made
without following U.S. safety standards and may be labeled, stored, or
shipped incorrectly, thereby compromising the integrity of the
products.
Patients should also be told that websites that offer diagnostic
services may give incorrect diagnoses, and most websites will not
protect personal information.
FDA has posted numerous safety tips for patients to keep in mind when
buying products online. These tips include:
- Making sure the website is a state-licensed pharmacy located in the
United States.
- Contacting the state board of pharmacy to determine if the website
is in good standing.
- Looking for the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites)
Seal, which indicates that the website has been checked to make sure it
meets state and federal rules.
- Making sure a licensed pharmacist is available to answer questions
and the website has a way to talk to a live person.
- Making sure the website requires a prescription before dispensing
medications.
- Looking for privacy and security policies that are easy to find and
understand.
- Making sure the website will not sell your personal
information.
Summary
Patients should be urged to only purchase FDA-approved products from
licensed pharmacies located in the United States. The purchase of
fraudulent H1N1 products may result in adverse consequences if the
infection is not treated. In an FDA press release, Margaret A. Hamburg,
MD, Commissioner of FDA, stated, “Unless these products are proven
to be safe and effective for the claims that are made, it is not known
whether they will prevent the transmission of the virus or offer
effective remedies against infection. Furthermore, they can make matters
worse by providing consumers with a false sense of
protection.”
Maria G. Tanzi, PharmD
Clinical Assistant
Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
College of Pharmacy
University of Illinois at Chicago
Posted October 30, 2009
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