Roadtown, Tortola - Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services Ms. Gracia Wheatley has issued a public advisory alerting people in the Virgin Islands (UK) against purchasing Influenza A (H1N1) products from suspicious websites.

Ms. Wheatley said counterfeit drugs that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat, and cure the H1N1 virus are currently being promoted via the internet. “A number of these sites are selling fraudulent products that are not effective against the H1N1 virus,” she said.

According to the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, consumers who buy products from illegitimate websites may receive products that are counterfeit. These products, Ms. Wheatley noted, range from dietary supplements to drugs, devices, or vaccines.

“These products will not prevent the transmission of the H1N1 virus or offer effective treatment against becoming infected,” she said. Ms. Wheatley added that some of the medicines sold online are too weak or too strong, contain dangerous ingredients, or may not contain any active ingredients.

In other cases, she noted, the products are not labelled, stored, or shipped correctly which affects their effectiveness; are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); may be contaminated; have dangerous side effects; and were not made in compliance with safety standards.

“Because these fraudulent or counterfeit products are not made to established standards and will therefore not prevent transmission of the virus, the users of these products are risking their health and the health of their family members as they think they received the appropriate treatment,” warned the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services.

She advises residents not to buy products from online sources but to access care and treatment locally. Persons in the Territory may contact the Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services on 494-3701 extension 2236 for additional information.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Virgin Islands (UK).

Tips for purchasing pharmaceutical products safely online: 

• Do not buy prescription drugs from sites that will sell you drugs even if you do not have a prescription.

• Buy drugs from sites that have the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Seal (VIPPS). This is a programme that makes sure online drug stores are legal and honest. Visit www.nabp.net for a list of pharmacies approved for internet buying of drugs.

• Purchase drugs from a pharmacy that has a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions.

• Use a pharmacy site that provides contact information and allows you to talk to a person if you have problems or questions.  

• Do not give any personal information such as social security number, credit card information, medical or health history unless you are sure the website will keep your information safe and private.

• Look for privacy and security policies that are easy to find and easy to understand.