FDA Targets Online Sales of Illegal Prescription Drugs

On June 9, 2016, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it took action against 4,402 websites illegally selling unapproved prescription drugs to U.S. consumers. With the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FDA conducted inspections at International Mail Facilities (IMFs) and served formal complaints on domain registrars “requesting the suspension of the 4,402 websites.”  Additionally, FDA issued warning letters to “operators of 53 websites illegally offering unapproved and misbranded prescription drug products for sale to U.S. consumers.”

The effort was part of “Operation Pangea IX, the Ninth Annual International Internet Week of Action (IIWA), a global cooperative effort, led by INTERPOL, to combat the unlawful sale and distribution of illegal and potentially counterfeit medical products on the internet.”

To speak with an attorney on how to set up an online pharmacy in compliance with the laws and regulations enforced by the FDA and the State of Florida, or to ensure that your pharmacy is in compliance with applicable laws, contact Ann Marie Gaitan, Esq. at 786.440.8115 or via e-mail at [email protected].