Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 Mar 20. doi: 10.1002/oby.20429. [Epub ahead of print]
Illicit online marketing of locaserin before DEA scheduling.
Source
Institute of Health Law Studies, California Western School of Law; San Diego Center for Patient Safety, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; Joint MAS Program in Health Policy, University of California, San Diego-California Western School of Law. baliang@alum.mit.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE.: Anti-obesity drugs have been marketed illicitly by "no prescription" online pharmacies after approval and scheduling by the Drug Enforcement Agency. We wished to assess whether anti-obesity drug Belviq® (locaserin HCl) was available from illicit online vendors before DEA-scheduling when sales are unauthorized. DESIGN AND METHODS.: Online searches of "buy Belviq no prescription" examining first five result pages marketing the drug. Searches were performed from 11/5/2012-12/8/2012, prior to DEA scheduing. RESULTS.: Belviq® is actively marketed by "no prescription" online vendors despite official unavailability and prescription requirements. Approaches included direct-to-consumer advertising using descriptive website URLs; linking to illicit marketers; and directing customers to other weight-loss websites for additional marketing.Finally, large quantities were marketed by business-to-business vendors. CONCLUSION.: Illicit online "no prescription" pharmacies are marketingunauthorized, suspect anti-obesity drugs before DEA scheduling and permitted marketing. Regulators must legally intercede to ensure patient safety and providers must educate patients about online-sourcing risks.
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