ASOP Global Statement on FDA Warnings to Websites Marketing Unapproved Opioids
June 5, 2018 – As part of a comprehensive effort to target illegal online drug sales, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warnings today to nine online networks that operate more than 50 websites. The warning letters demanded that the networks stop illegally marketing dangerous versions of opioids or risk product seizure, injunction or other law enforcement action.
“Illegal online pharmacies and sellers offering opioids and other medicines contribute to the opioid epidemic and put patients at risk. Too often, there is no way for a consumer to tell if the medicines sold by illegal online sources are legitimate or if they are counterfeit. Counterfeit medicines have increasingly been found to be laced with fentanyl and other deadly substances. Buying prescription medicines from unregulated sources without a prescription also puts patients at risk of harm or overdose. The warnings issued by Commissioner Gottlieb and the FDA put illegal online pharmacies on notice that the U.S. Government takes this criminal activity seriously. ASOP Global shares the FDA’s commitment to protecting patients and looks forward to participating in the agency’s summit with Internet stakeholders on June 27 to find new ways to work together on this critical issue.” – Libby Baney, Senior Advisor, ASOP Global
MEDIA CONTACT
Elizabeth Harmon, Scott Circle Communications 202-695-8226