The Swiss regulatory authorities on Tuesday warned against ordering high-dosage vitamins and mineral salts on the internet, saying some of these imported products could lead to serious health problems for consumers.
Last year, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic, checked about 1,600 imports of medication, mainly ordered online by private individuals. Swissmedic said many of these imports were vitamins and mineral salts with an exceedingly high dosage.
The packages of medication bought online often gave inadequate information and did not mention possible negative side effects. Some products were labeled as herbal and natural but contained chemical substances, Swissmedic said in a statement.
The agency also pointed out that an extremely high dosage of vitamin A, for example, could damage the liver and lead to serious psychological disorders.
The agency estimates that between 20,000 and 40,000 packages of medication bought online arrive in Switzerland every year, up to 8, 000 of which contain banned narcotics or psychotropic drugs.
Medication ordered over the internet circumvented regular official checks, said Swissmedic.
In June the agency blocked a Swiss internet site which offered illegal medication from the United States, and confiscated several kilograms of drugs.
In Switzerland, pharmacies need an official licence to operate, and deliver some drugs on prescription only.
WHO concerned about growth of AIDS in Asia
WHO urges Indonesia to improve counter-bird flu efforts
Jane Fonda plans anti-war bus tour
Men 'winning' caring profession sex war
Aid too late to save 400,000 children at risk
AIDS battle needs greater political help
Zimbabwean minister denounces abuse of girls nationwide
Hong Kong to issue stamps of the four great inventions of ancient China
Indonesian doctors complete separation surgery on conjoined twins
Australian star cyclist killed in accident in Germany