TGA warns of fake drugs

AUSTRALIANS are purchasing counterfeit medications online, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration issuing official warnings about two products found to be under-strength and not related to approved items.

The illegal drug imports have names similar to legal medications, and the TGA says its investigations show that a number of people in Australia may have bought the products over the internet.

The affected products include “Tamo 20 tablets” (pictured) which contain tamoxifen at a strength lower than that described on the bottle.

“Tamo 20 tablets are not related to the approved medicine Tamoxifen itrate,” the TGA advised, adding that the supply of the tablets is illegal “as they are considered to be counterfeit”.

The agency has also raised concerns about lomid tablets which again are not related to the approved medicine Clomiphene Citrate.

onsumers are being advised to immediately stop taking Tamo 20 and lomid tablets and take any remaining capsules to their local pharmacy for safe disposal.

The TGA is working with the Australian Border Force to help stop future shipments of the items from entering Australia.

“If these capsules are found at the border...they will be seized and destroyed,” the TGA added, advising consumers to excercise extreme caution when purchasing medicines from unknown overseas internet sites.