Danger warning to consumers who buy fake swine-flu drug
Anti-viral pill bought on net could contain harmful chemicals
CONSUMERS who buy special flu medication over the internet risk taking fake pills containing harmful chemicals.
Swine flu fears mean that Tamiflu is now the most 'spammed' medicine on the internet and is overtaking even the impotence drug Viagra.
Patients are being reminded that Tamiflu, for the relief of viral flu symptoms, is now available nationwide on a doctor's prescription.
A host of web-based firms have been offering anti-viral treatments by mail order -- but leading medical groups have warned that these medicines are unverified and potentially unsafe.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) warned that Tamiflu supplies bought over the internet are mostly fake and could contain anything from sugar to traces of rat poison.
RPS official David Pruce urged consumers to only go through reputable channels for medicines and he pointed out that such drugs purchased over the internet could be sourced from anywhere and could contain anything.
"When it is counterfeit medicines and you've got really no idea what is in the tablet or the capsule, you are really taking your life in your hands," he warned.
Internet prices for Tamiflu have been slated as "extortionate" with web-based sales costing from €70 to €150 per packet.
Meanwhile, demand for disinfectants and face masks has soared by up to 80pc. One Irish firm is inundated with orders for a revolutionary anti-viral and anti-bacterial disinfectant.
Disinfectant
Cork based OB Hygiene has seen demand for their Activ8 disinfectant rise by more than 11pc in the space of just the past month. Managing director John O'Brien confirmed that they have now had to order in extra supplies just to cope with the swell in orders.
"Our customers range from the local corner shop to hospitals, hotels, schools, creches, kitchens and local authorities throughout the country.
"The worldwide swine flu pandemic and the fears that people have about the rate at which it appears to be spreading has resulted in a spike in demand for Activ8," he said.
Mr O'Brien said that swine flu fears have underlined the vital importance of hygiene controls -- not just in healthcare facilities but also in all public areas. "We simply cannot afford to compromise on hygiene standards when battling these potentially life-threatening viruses and bacteria," he added.
OB Hygiene, which employs 13 staff, is now working round the clock to deal with orders.
- Ralph Riegel
