FDA cracks down on illegal opioids websites

June 8, 2018

The U.S. FDA has warned nine online networks, operating a total of 53 websites, that they must stop illegally marketing unapproved and misbranded versions of opioid medications.

“The internet is virtually awash in illegal narcotics and we’re going to be taking new steps to work with legitimate internet firms to voluntarily crack down on these sales,” said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

Many of the sites, such as “TramadolHub,” "AnonShop,” and "Medstore.biz” are selling unapproved tramadol and oxycodone without prescription

The companies have 10 days to respond or they will face a regulatory action, such as having the products seized or being served with an injunction.

As part of the agency’s effort, Commissioner Gottlieb has invited internet stakeholders and thought-leaders, government entities, academic researchers and advocacy groups to an Online Opioid Summit on June 27 to discuss ways to collaboratively take stronger action in combatting the opioid crisis by reducing the availability of illicit opioids online.

Read the FDA press announcement