PUNTERS have been warned not to buy pills online after new stats show over one million units of illegal meds were seized here last year.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) said there was a 14 per cent increase in the number of dodgy medicines detained in 2024.
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HPRA’s Grainne Power was issued a warning to the public about buying illegal medsCredit: Julien Behal
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Over one million units of illegal meds were seized here last yearCredit: Julien Behal
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Anabolic steroids, sedatives and erectile dysfunction products are the most detained categoriesCredit: Julien Behal
Grainne Power, Director of Compliance with the HPRA, said anabolic steroids, sedatives and erectile dysfunction products are consistently the most detained categories year on year.
She said: “While purchasing online is second nature for many of us, when it comes to prescription medicines, people need to ensure that the product is prescribed by a healthcare professional and sourced from a local pharmacy.
“Your pharmacy has sourced medicines from authorised sources for your protection and is an expert in their use.
“Using these prescription medicines without medical supervision or from an unregulated source leaves people unprotected.”
A total of 1,000,984 dosage units of falsified and other illegal medicines were seized in 2024.
Power said when prescription medicines are bought online in Ireland there is no way of knowing for certain if the product is genuine, if it contains the right active ingredient, or if it has been tested and approved for human use.
She added: “The seizure of over one million dosage units of illegal medicines last year highlights the persistent extent of the threats posed by falsified and unauthorised prescription medicines.
“Our investigations and prosecutions have shown that those profiting from illegally supplied medicines have little or no regard for the health and safety of those who use them.
“While some websites may appear legitimate, many are simply fronts for unlawful activity, putting consumers at serious risk.
“In addition to our enforcement efforts, which target promotion and supply, it is also essential that we continue our efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of purchasing prescription medicines from unregulated sources.
Yearly Detention Figures
2018: 619,213
2019: 1,018,678
2020: 1,610,295
2021: 1,604,589
2022: 956,263
2023: 874,945
2024: 1,000,984
“Increasing awareness of these risks to reduce demand is critically important.
“We understand that there are many reasons why members of the public seek out these illegally supplied products, such as privacy, ease of access, cost, or the belief that their doctor might not deem it appropriate medical use.
“However, regardless of the reason, it is never worth taking a risk when it comes to your health.
“We advise anyone who has purchased prescription medicines from unregulated sources to stop using them immediately and to contact their healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their health.”
Units Detained: Special Interest Products