Warning Issued Over Illegal Medicine Sales Online in South Africa
Published
The Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG) has warned that illegal medicines are being sold more and more often through online platforms. The group says that people who sell these products may face serious legal consequences. Medicines sold without proper approval can be dangerous, because their quality, ingredients and doses are not checked.
According to the PTG, illegal medicines are often advertised on social media, messaging apps and other websites. Sellers may promise fast results or lower prices than pharmacies. However, buyers have no way of knowing what is really inside these products. Some of them may contain the wrong amount of active ingredients, or they may contain substances that are not listed on the label at all.
The PTG advises consumers to buy medicines only from registered pharmacies, licensed doctors and other approved sources. Before buying any medicine online, people should check whether the seller is registered with the relevant health authorities. If someone has taken an unknown medicine and feels unwell, they should contact a doctor or go to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately.
The warning comes as online shopping continues to grow across the country. Health experts say that public awareness is an important part of stopping the trade in illegal medicines. The PTG has asked members of the public to report suspicious sellers to the authorities so that action can be taken.
Sources: BusinessTech
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