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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.

• Some imported medicines may have been made using unsafe procedures.

• Some imported medicines are fake.

• Some imported medicines may not have been checked for safety or effectiveness.

• Some imported medicines may be addictive or use dangerous ingredients.

• An imported medicine may not have information for treating side effects.

• The medicine’s label, instructions, and list of possible side effects may be in a language you do not understand.

• 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

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