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Manila Bulletin devider devider FDA warns vs buying medicines online

FDA warns vs buying medicines online

Published Jun 12, 2019 03:25 pm
By Analou De Vera The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against the purchase of medicines being sold online. "Buying medicines over the Internet can pose serious health risk. You will never know what exactly you are getting. Even if the medicines bought online looks the same, there is no guarantee that it is genuine," the FDA stated in advisory no. 2019-154. "Unlike other consumer products purchased over the Internet, medicines have the potential to cause serious side effects and health problems if not used and stored properly," it added. The FDA reiterated that online selling of medicines is not allowed in the country pursuant to the existing laws, rules, and regulations. "Currently, FDA only allows online ordering services provided that the seller has an existing FDA-licensed pharmacy or 'botika' with physical address. Online ordering services are additional activities of a pharmacy or botika subject for approval of FDA," it said.
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