AIFA has recently recorded a worrying increase in reports received from citizens, associations and companies of products purchased online from unauthorized channels, falsified or illegal results and draws attention to the risks associated with this type of purchase.
In particular, the most recent cases include the falsification of Somatoline cream, a dermatological preparation with anti-cellulite activity, and of Cialis, a medicine indicated in the treatment of erectile dysfunctions. Both products were advertised online. Thanks to the consolidated collaboration between AIFA and eBay, all offers relating to Somatoline were promptly removed from the platform.
AIFA once again invites consumers to be wary of what on the web, often and frequently, are presented as "unmissable offers", recommending the utmost caution in purchasing drugs online.
A prudent attitude is even more essential in light of the current framework linked to the COVID-19 emergency which could determine, as recorded in some non-European countries, the online offer of illegal COVID-19 vaccines without any guarantee with respect to quality, efficacy and safety and, therefore, potentially very dangerous.
Furthermore, the collaboration of everyone - private citizens, health professionals, companies and associations - is essential so that suspected cases are constantly reported to AIFA and the Carabinieri Guardianship of Health Command, to implement all necessary measures to protect public health and of the individual.
Finally, AIFA reiterates that the regulations in force in Italy regarding the online sale of medicines to the public allow this activity only to pharmacies and parapharmacy shops or "health corners" of large-scale retail trade (identified by article 5, paragraph 1 , of the decree-law of 4 July 2006, n.223) limited to non-prescription drugs, currently excluding the possibility of online sale of medicines through e-commerce platforms.
Therefore, the purchase of these medicines by Italian consumers can only be made through authorized channels displaying the common logo (for more information, see the following link: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/temi/p2_6.jsp?lingua=italiano&id=4369&area=farmaci&menu=online)