Medicines board warns of illegal mail-order imports

Prescription medicines imported over the internet and through mail order continue to be a threat to public health, according to a report issued yesterday.

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) annual report for 2004 found that the organisation's enforcement unit initiated 314 cases involving breaches of medicines legislation in 2004, including almost 200 cases of illegal importation of prescription-only medicines.

Most cases related to individuals attempting to import medicinal products over the internet and through mail order for their own use. Investigations led to the seizure of tablets, capsules and creams.

The report also showed that the assessment of medicines for use in Ireland by the IMB more than doubled between 2003 and 2004, from 7,503 to 16,669. The increase was attributed to organisational improvements.

Some 63 medicines were recalled for defects, including packaging and labelling problems, and the distribution of unlicensed products.

Pat O'Mahony, chief executive of the IMB, said the organisation concentrated on the most serious issues that posed the greatest risk to public health.

"Activities in relation to the illegal importation of medicines and the sale of medicines over the internet are a threat to public health and it is a concern for all health authorities in the EU," he said.

"The IMB closely monitors this area and interacts with relevant national and international authorities to tackle this issue."

He said the IMB continued to collaborate with other agencies in the EU in relation to new data on the safety of medicines.

The organisation also completed its twinning project with Malta, where it assisted in the creation and support of a new medicines regulatory authority.