Inspectors warns about fake online pharmacies selling ADHD drugs

Health ministry inspectors have issued a warning about the proliferation of fake online pharmacies selling ADHD medication and painkillers without a medical prescription.

The webshops often look like regular online pharmacies, with pictures of people in white coats and convincing-looking packaging. But most are illegal and in some cases they are part of a criminal network, the inspectors said.

Red flags are being able to order prescription drugs without a doctor's note, payment in cryptocurrency, non-registration of the pharmacy and vague contact details.

Dozens of web shops have been taken offline, and one has been reported to police, the inspectors said on Friday.

People who buy medication at the unregulated online pharmacies, which also include sleeping pills and anabolic steroids, are putting their health at risk.

“The origin and quality of the drugs are unclear. They may be polluted or contain too much or too little of the active ingredient, with everything that entails. Some people pay, but nothing arrives,” the inspectorate stated in its report .

Between January and October this year, the IGJ received 187 reports concerning fake pharmacies, compared to 114 in the same period last year. The probe involved some 150 websites that sell medicine requiring a prescription.

The IGJ saw a marked increase in ADHD medication on offer, which is popular among students. It contains methylphenidate which they use to improve concentration and stamina when studying or on a night out, the Trimbos addiction institute said.

The inspectorate warned care professionals to be alert to the use of ADHD medication bought online and has told schools and colleges to warn students of the dangers of buying potentially dangerous drugs.