The FDA recently targeted more than 500 websites that illegally sold unapproved, potentially hazardous versions of prescription medicines such as opioids, antibiotics and epinephrine products.
These actions were a part of an international effort designed to curb the unlawful sale and distribution of illegal, counterfeit or ineffective medical products online. This effort, dubbed Operation Pangea X, took place Sept. 12 to Sept. 19.
As a result of the operation, the FDA seized nearly 100 website names, detained nearly 500 parcels for FDA compliance follow up and sent 13 warning letters to the operators of 401 websites.
"These rogue online pharmacies are often run by sophisticated criminal networks that knowingly and unlawfully distribute illicit drugs, including counterfeit medicines and controlled substances," said Scott Gottlieb, MD, the FDA's commissioner. "Consumers go to these websites believing that they are buying safe and effective medications, but they are being deceived and put at risk by individuals who put financial gains above patient safety."
This year's operation was led by Interpol, an international police organization.