GENEVA: Swiss customs seized over 1,000 shipments of illegally imported therapeutic products last year, says Swissmedic, the body responsible for the authorization and supervision of therapeutic products in Switzerland.
More than half the confiscated products were treatments for erectile dysfunction. About 13% consisted of sleeping pills or tranquillizers, and another 13% were other medically important, prescription-only medicines.
About half of the illegal imports originated in India, with a further 21% from Western Europe, 13% from Asian countries, and 9% from eastern Europe.
Swissmedic noted a concerning increase in illegally imported acne treatments. Some preparations contain isotretinoin, a compound which is harmful to unborn children and which should never be used during pregnancy.
The agency warned that spam emails are often used to offer generic products at advantageous prices. In many cases, the medicines that are supplied have serious quality defects and arrive without any packaging, medical warnings or dosing information.
