FDA Sends 4,100 Warning Letters to Illegal Internet Pharmacies, Seizes Products
In cooperation with law enforcement, customs, and regulatory authorities from 100 countries, the Food and Drug Administration took action against more than 4,100 Internet pharmacies selling unapproved drugs to consumers, it said. The overall effort resulted in the shutdown of more than 18,000 illegal pharmacy websites and the seizure of about $10.5 million worth of pharmaceuticals worldwide. FDA’s actions included civil and criminal charges, seizure of illegal products, and removal of offending websites, it said.
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The FDA said it sent warning letters to the operators of more than 4,100 identified websites. FDA also sent notices to registries, Internet service providers and domain name registrars informing them of the violations.
FDA said it coordinated the global effort, entitled the “International Internet Week of Action” (IIWA), including screening all drug products received through international mail facilities during the week. This is the fifth annual IIWA.