FDA warns of fake online H1N1 drugs

William Atkins
Sunday, 18 October 2009 18:53

Science - Health

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers, on October 15, 2009, about the Web advertising of fake “Tamiflu” pills for H1N1 flu treatments. The FDA states that such purchases should only be made through licensed U.S. pharmacies and with a medical professional’s prescription.


According to the FDA news release FDA Warns of Unapproved and Illegal H1N1 Drug Products Purchased Over the Internet, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus. The warning comes after the FDA recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which may pose risks to patients.”

FDA scientists bought five products over the Internet that were advertising themselves as “Tamiflu” treatments for the 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu).

The scientists found that these five supposedly “real” Tamiflu products were really fakes.

For instance, one of the orders initiated by the FDA came from India in an unmarked envelope. When the package was opened, the white pills were taped between two pieces of paper. Upon inspection by the FDA scientists, these pills were found to only contain talc and acetaminophen.

Talc, or talcum powder, is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate—H₂Mg₃(SiO₃)₄ or Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer used for headaches, fevers, colds, and the flu.

Other orders contained various amounts of oseltamivir, the active ingredient in Tamiflu.

However, none of the pills were the real pills called Tamiflu and, thus, were not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

Page two continues with comments from FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg.