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Looks Can Be Deceiving
The medicine you buy from outside the United States may be
unsafe or ineffective.
Don't risk your health
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and your
community pharmacist are concerned that medicines you buy from outside
the U.S. may present a health risk.
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Some imported medicines may have been made using
unsafe procedures.
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Some imported medicines are fake.
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Some imported medicines may not have been checked
for safety or effectiveness.
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Some imported medicines may be addictive or use
dangerous ingredients.
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An imported medicine may not have information for
treating side effects.
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The medicine’s label, instructions, and list of
possible side effects may be in a language you do not understand.
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The label of some imported medicines may make claims
or suggest uses that have not been approved.
Medicines you buy outside of the U.S. may be unsafe
or ineffective. Don’t risk your health.
If you have any questions about the use of any
medicine, FDA encourages you to contact your doctor, your local
pharmacist, or your state board of pharmacy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services
Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Education: Buying Medicine From Outside the United
States
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Date created: February 25, 2004 |