Originally published January 29 2006
FDA warns consumers about the presence of counterfeit bird flu drugs
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
After a seizure of counterfeit Tamiflu drugs, U.S. Customs agents and the FDA are working together to prevent the entry of further shipments into the country.
The recent interception of dozens of packages of counterfeit Tamiflu, the antiviral drug being stockpiled in anticipation of a bird flu pandemic, highlighted a problem federal officials say is growing: fake medications entering the United States.
The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says the pills that turned out to be phony were bought via several Web sites, shipped from Asia, and were apparently headed directly to consumers, not to pharmacies, doctors or medical facilities.
This was the first seizure in the U.S. of counterfeit Tamiflu, but the Food and Drug Administration says, as worries over a possible bird flu outbreak increase, there will probably be more cases of fake Tamiflu coming into this country.
U.S. Customs agents and the FDA have teamed to combat counterfeit drugs, Koeppen points out, screening incoming packages and paying close attention to medications.
This stash of Tamiflu was labeled "generic."
That's a major red flag, Koeppen explains, since real Tamiflu only comes from one company, Roche, and there's no generic brand available.
The FDA adds that there's no shortage of Tamiflu in America and people don't need to stockpile it.
The FDA has busted alleged rings providing counterfeit Viagra, counterfeit human growth hormone, and counterfeit versions of the popular cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor.The agency warns counterfeit medicine often can be contaminated, and can be very dangerous to your health.
It stands for "Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites Accreditation Program," and means that the online pharmacy has been certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, and is subject to strict quality controls and regulations.
Only a handful of Internet pharmacies have the seal.
To find an online pharmacy that carries the "VIPPS" seal and is certified by the NABP, click here.
It recommends that you only get prescriptions from a doctor and pharmacy you know.
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