SINGAPOREANS should beware of products that claim to treat or prevent Influenza A (H1N1), whether they are offered by retail outlets, via spam e-mail or on the Internet.
In a press statement yesterday, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) urged the public to stay clear of fraudulent products.
Currently, only two antiviral drugs have been recommended by the World Health Organization and health authorities worldwide for treating the new strain of flu: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).
But these medicines should be used only when prescribed by a doctor. There are also no over-the-counter diagnostic test kits for the H1N1 flu.
People who go online - to illegal or unlicensed Internet pharmacies, forums, auction sites and the like - to buy health products face multiple risks.
They may end up buying counterfeits, medicines with undeclared ingredients or poorquality products. They may also be taken in by unsubstantiated claims, or harm themselves with the unsupervised use of some medicines.
Advertising gimmicks - "100 per cent guaranteed", "based on scientific studies" and so on - should also not be believed.
Singapore is not alone in issuing this warning. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also urged consumers to be wary of promotions for products that claim to diagnose or prevent infection, or treat or cure those afflicted by the new virus.
Asked if she would purchase any type of medicine online, student Serena Chew, 19, said: "I would definitely not, because this concerns my life and, no matter what the seller says, I'm not sure how real it is."
If you come across the sale of suspicious health products, call HSA's 24-hour line on 6866-3485 or send an e-mail to hsa-is@hsa.gov.sg
