"instead [consumers] received a product that, according to preliminary
analysis, contains haloperidol

FDA reissues Internet Drug Warning
Mislabeled medications discovered when consumers recently sought emergency
treatment

FEB. 17, 2007]
ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become aware that a
number of Americans who placed orders for specific drug products over the
Internet (Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan), instead received a product that,
according to preliminary analysis, contains haloperidol, a powerful
anti-psychotic drug. Reports show several consumers in the United States have
sought emergency medical treatment for symptoms such as difficulty in breathing,
muscle spasms and muscle stiffness after ingesting the suspect product.
Haloperidol can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, agitation, and sedation.

Therefore, the agency is reissuing its warning to consumers about the possible
dangers of buying prescription drugs online. FDA laboratory analysis of the
misrepresented tablets is ongoing, but preliminary analysis indicates they
contain haloperidol, the active ingredient in a prescription drug used primarily
to treat schizophrenia. FDA learned about these mislabeled and potentially
dangerous products after their recipients complained to a U.S. pharmaceutical
manufacturer.

The origin of these tablets is unknown but the packages were postmarked in
Greece. Photographs of the tablets in question and the shipping packages can be
seen at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/photos/haloperidol.html

If the tablets received from an Internet seller resemble those in the photos
and haloperidol was not specifically ordered, do not take these tablets.
Instead, consumers should notify their health care provider and report the
suspected products to FDA by submitting a product quality problem report at
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

Although the involved consumers have named several Internet Web sites where the
products were purchased, identifying the vendors is difficult because of the
deceptive practices of many commercial outlets on the Internet. FDA is
investigating this illicit trade and plans to release appropriate information
when it is available.

Taking medication that contains an active ingredient other than what was
prescribed by a qualified health care professional is generally unsafe. FDA
continuously warns U.S. consumers of the possible dangers of buying prescription
drugs

Source: http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=176&z=1 and
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm

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