Cyprus pharmaceutical services warn over unauthorised medicines

Nicosia, Cyprus. The health ministry’s pharmaceutical services on Monday warned of serious health risks linked to the supply and use of unauthorised or illegally traded medication.

The warning covered products promoted for muscle growth, improved appearance, wellbeing or general health, including hormones and other injectable or oral products.

Risks from unregulated products

The pharmaceutical services said such products do not automatically become safe because they are marketed with health-related claims.

It said claims and indications for products intended for human use can be misleading and do not exempt products from compliance with pharmaceutical legislation.

The authorities expressed particular concern about injectable and intravenous products, noting that their administration bypasses important natural defence mechanisms of the body.

When products are not manufactured, stored and distributed in line with pharmaceutical standards, they may be linked to contamination, unknown or incorrect active substances, incorrect strength or dosage, toxicity, infections and serious adverse reactions, the services said.

Advice to the public

The pharmaceutical services said medicinal products must be obtained exclusively from legal, regulated sources and dispensed with a prescription through authorised pharmacies.

It said the established control system is required to guarantee the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines.

The authorities also warned about the circulation of unauthorised and unapproved medical products, adding that their sale breaches applicable legislation and may result in penalties.

The public was urged not to buy or use medicines from the internet, unauthorised individuals or outlets, including products presented as innovative, natural, safe, side-effect-free or for research use only.