SFDA Warns about Purchasing Drugs via the Internet
2011-10-22
Saudi FDA warns the public from purchasing drugs, health and herbal products via the internet and not to be deceived by misleading promotions on some websites that sell drugs, health and herbal products of unknown origin and tat are not registered by SFFDA. Such drugs and products could be highly dangerous as their manufacturing conditions or pharmaceutical contents are unknown, besides, no quality assurance and efficacy measures exist. Moreover, the majority of such products are mixed with other falsified materials or do not contain effective material. Using such drugs and products may worsen patients’ conditions and lead to death.
SFDA emphasized in a statement to the media that such websites will be tracked through its inspectors and any entity marketing such products in the Kingdom will be closely monitored.
SFDA further warns anyone who participates in promotion of these suspected drugs and products via the internet or mobile phones within the Kingdom will be subject to official investigation> However shall not release any shipment containing any drugs, health or herbal product to the Kingdom via couriers unless prior approval is obtained fron SFDA according to the conditions and requirements of import and clearance of drugs and medical products provided on SFDA website.
For further information about the hazards of these drugs and products please visit SFDA website at: or contact the National Drug & Poisons Information Center at telephone No: 2759222 extensions 5396, 5395, 5339 or Fax no. 2107398 or e-mail: ndpic@sfda.gov.sa