Operation Targeted 500 Websites Selling Counterfeit Prescription Drugs, Says FDA
More than 500 websites that illegally marketed and sold counterfeit versions of prescription antibiotics, epinephrine, opioids and other medicines to consumers were targeted as part of an international effort led by Interpol, said the Food and Drug Administration, one of…
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the participants, in a Monday news release. Through Operation Pangea X, the FDA said it issued 13 warning letters to operators of 401 websites and seized nearly 100 domain names by working with internet registrars. "Some of the websites sold unapproved versions of multiple prescription opioids directly to U.S. consumers. This easy and illegal availability of these controlled substances fuels the misuse and abuse of opioids," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. FDA inspectors and other federal agents also screened and confiscated packages at mail facilities as part of the operation. It was part of the recent 10th annual International Internet Week of Action aimed at fighting the online sale and distribution of illegal, potentially counterfeit and substandard medical products with the help of 115 participating countries.