FDA sends warning letter to Internet pharmacy

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent a warning letter to an Internet pharmacy that appears to operate around 300 websites, saying they are selling unapproved and misbranded drugs without a prescription.

Rx-promotion offers a number of prohibited items for sales, says the FDA including Acomplia (rimonabant) for weight loss, which has never been approved in the US, and Accutane (isotretinoin) for acne which "should only be taken under the close supervision of a healthcare professional and pharmacist."

Accutane is associated with an elevated risk of birth defects so all patients who receive are obliged to enter into a programme to manage their access to the drug.

Rx-Promotion's extensive list of websites also offer prescription narcotics such as oxycodone and Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), and erectile dysfunction treatments under names such as "Viagra Professional," "Cialis Super Active" and "Female Viagra."