FDA warns four networks on illegal marketing of unapproved opioid medications

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to four more online networks (operating a total of 21 websites) concerning the illegal marketing of potentially dangerous, unapproved and misbranded versions of opioid medications.

These warning letters that have been issued by the agency to each of the networks specifies that the illegal activities involving the marketing and sale of the opioid products in question must be stopped immediately.

“The illegal online sale of opioids represents a serious risk to Americans and is helping to fuel the opioid crisis. Cutting off this flow of illicit internet traffic in opioids is critical, and we’ll continue to pursue all means of enforcement to hinder online drug dealers and curb this dangerous practice,” stressed FDA commissioner Dr Scott Gottlieb. “Today’s effort builds on previous actions against the illegal online sale of opioids, for a total of 13 warning letters to more than 70 websites just this summer. The FDA remains resolute in our promise to continue cracking down on these networks to protect the public health. We have more operations underway, and additional actions planned. We are also working closely with legitimate Internet stakeholders, including leading social media sites, in these public health efforts.”

Responses have been requested from each of the companies within 10 working days and have been directed to inform the agency of any specific actions that are being taken to address the issues and concerns raised in the letters. Any company that fails to address the violations that have been outlined by the FDA may be subject to legal enforcement action.