Buying medicines online could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to NT$100 million (US$3.09 million), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said yesterday.
Pharmaceuticals are not like other products, and only over-the-counter drugs are allowed to be purchased online — the third of the three medicine classifications, following prescription drugs and behind-the-counter drugs, FDA Deputy Director-General Wang Te-yuan (王德原) said.
This includes products such as Green Oil and Tiger Balm, he said.
Photo: Chiu Chih-jou, Taipei Times
However, buying aphrodisiacs, weight loss drugs or foreign medicines online is illegal, he said.
There is not only the risk that they could be counterfeit, but it could also be considered importing drugs in contravention of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act (藥事法), Wang said.
Under Article 82, those who import prohibited drugs are subject to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of no more than NT$100 million.
Illegal online retailers often use the names of legal manufacturers or pharmacies, or recommendations from well-known celebrities, to sell products, FDA Medicinal Products Division head Chung Chi (鍾綺) said.
However, as the quality, safety and efficacy of these drugs has not been certified, the user cannot apply for compensation if taking them results in adverse effects, Chung said.
The FDA is working with the Customs Administration to enhance inspections of incoming packages and monitor the Internet for illegal retailers, she said.
Regardless of whether the buyer plans to use the drugs or sell them, importing unapproved drugs is treated the same way under the law, she added.
The FDA on its Web site regularly updates a list of vendors selling pharmaceutical products illegally online, which can be found under the banner “False Food and Drug Ads” (食藥膨風廣告專區).
Approved products come with a certification number on the packaging, Taiwan Young Pharmacists’ Group executive Chang En-hao (張恩豪) said.
Chang advised caution if the number is unclear, instructions for use seem unusual or if the packaging uses simplified Chinese.
When needing medication, people should consult a doctor or pharmacist rather than buying drugs online, he said.
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