The Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor is warning the general
public about the use of medicines from unauthorized sources (illegal medicines).
Illegal medicines are medicines that are sold outside of the approved, legal and regulated
supply chain. They are not obtained from licensed pharmacies or official distributors. These
medicines are often sold by unregulated individuals or establishments, fraudulent websites
and are promoted on social media platforms. There is no guarantee that these medicines
meet the necessary standards of quality, efficacy and safety.
Such illegal medicines pose a serious risk to public health. Their quality is unpredictable as
they may contain the wrong amount of active ingredients, harmful levels of other
ingredients or no active ingredients at all. They may also be expired, contaminated or poorly
stored. Illegal medicines are known to be manufactured in clandestine laboratories with no
quality control.
People who use illegal medicines are therefore at a very high risk of treatment failure,
unexpected and serious health problems and dangerous interactions with other medicines.
Noteworthy is the global rise in the sale of illegal medicines marketed for weight loss and
diabetes. These medicines when obtained from the regulated supply chain should only be
taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients who think they might
benefit from treatment with weight loss drugs should consult a doctor and should not buy
them without a prescription and from sources other than legitimate retailers (authorized
pharmacies).
The public is advised to only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies!
The Inspectorate strongly urges any individual possessing information regarding suspected
importation and or sale of illegal medicines to contact our office, as these actions constitute a violation of the law and present significant risks to public health and safety
The Inspectorate is committed to protecting your privacy and all reports will be handled in
strict confidence.
To file a report please visit the Inspectorate at W.G. Buncamper Road 33, Philipsburg, Sint
Maarten from 9:00am to 5:00pm or contact us via email inspectoratevsa.sxm@gmail.com.
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/news/Pages/THE-INSPECTORATE-URGES-THE-PUBLIC-TO-AVOID-THE-USE-OF-MEDICINES-FROM-UNAUTHORIZED-SOURCES.aspx
