Health Inspectorate warns the public: Do not buy, use medicines from unauthorized sources

GREAT BAY--The Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor is warning the general public about the use of medicines from unauthorized sources (illegal medicines).

Illegal medicines are medicines that are sold outside of the approved, legal and regulated supply chain. They are not obtained from licensed pharmacies or official distributors. These medicines are often sold by unregulated individuals or establishments, fraudulent websites and are promoted on social media platforms. There is no guarantee that these medicines meet the necessary standards of quality, efficacy and safety.

Such illegal medicines pose a serious risk to public health. Their quality is unpredictable as they may contain the wrong amount of active ingredients, harmful levels of other ingredients or no active ingredients at all. They may also be expired, contaminated or poorly stored. Illegal medicines are known to be manufactured in clandestine laboratories with no quality control.

People who use illegal medicines are therefore at a very high risk of treatment failure, unexpected and serious health problems and dangerous interactions with other medicines.

Noteworthy is the global rise in the sale of illegal medicines marketed for weight loss and diabetes. These medicines, when obtained from the regulated supply chain, should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients who think they might benefit from treatment with weight loss drugs should consult a doctor and should not buy them without a prescription and from sources other than legitimate retailers (authorized pharmacies).

The public is advised to only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies.

The Inspectorate strongly urges any individual possessing information regarding suspected importation and or sale of illegal medicines to contact our office, as these actions constitute a violation of the law and present significant risks to public health and safety.

The Inspectorate is committed to protecting your privacy and all reports will be handled in strict confidence.

To file a report please visit the Inspectorate at W.G. Buncamper Road 33, Philipsburg, St. Maarten from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or contact us via email at inspectoratevsa.sxm@gmail.com

‍