Shopee, Lazada Have Been Discovered Listing Medicines for Virus – FDA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the online shopping platforms Shopee and Lazada over the illegal sale of medicines for COVID-19.
The sale of unapproved medications on online shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee concerns FDA Director-General Rolando Enrique Domingo. According to Domingo, the FDA communicates with Lazada and Shopee on a daily basis to remove posts advertising Remdesivir and other supposed anti-COVID-19 medications.
“Kakatanggal lang ng posts, magkakaroon na naman. Kaya nga nag-uusap na kami ng DTI (Department of Trade and Industry),” Domingo said.
READ ALSO: FDA Warns Against Black Market Selling Tocilizumab, Medicine for Virus
There were 12 listings yesterday on Lazada selling Remdesivir for P15,000 to P20,000. Metro Manila, Tarlac, Davao del Norte, and Iloilo are among the sellers. There is a Remdetaj Remdesivir that is less expensive, costing only P1,000 for a 100mg vial.
Remdesivir is available at five Shopee locations for only P9,000 per 100 mg vial. The vendor has locations in Paraaque, Tayabas, Quezon, and Cainta, Rizal. It’s unacceptable, according to Domingo, for Lazada and Shopee to just inform them that they can’t monitor their vendors since they have a responsibility.
The culpability of online platforms as “accessories” or accomplices of vendors without a license or approval under the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 is already being studied by FDA lawyers, according to Domingo. The FDA recently cautioned the public not to buy COVID-19-related medicine that was supposedly being sold online because it could harm your body if consumed.
READ ALSO: Cebu City Physician with Daughter Smuggling Tocilizumab Jailed – NBI
What are your thoughts on this article? Just feel free to leave your reactions in the comment section.
For more news and updates, follow us on Twitter:@philnews_ph Facebook:@PhilNews and; YouTube channel Philnews Ph
