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Title: Unsafe, Misrepresented Drugs Purchased Over the Internet: Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), Xanax (alprazolam), Lexapro ( escitalopram oxalate), Ativan (lorazepam)

"Unsafe, Misrepresented Drugs Purchased Over the Internet: Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), Xanax (alprazolam), Lexapro ( escitalopram oxalate), Ativan (lorazepam)"

BETHESDA, MD -- February 19, 2007 -- FDA informed consumers and healthcare professionals regarding the possible dangers of buying prescription medications online. Individuals who ordered Ambien, Xanax, Lexapro, and Ativan over the internet received a product that contained haloperidol, a powerful anti-psychotic drug. Several consumers experienced difficulty in breathing, muscle spasms and muscle stiffness after ingesting the suspect product and had to seek emergency medical treatment. Haloperiodol can cause muscle stiffness, spasms, agitation and sedation. Taking medication that contains an active ingredient other than what is prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals is generally unsafe. FDA urges consumers to review the FDA website for additional information prior to making purchases of medications over the internet (http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/). Read the complete MedWatch 2007 Safety summary, including links to the FDA Press Release regarding this issue at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#internet SOURCE: Food and Drug Administration

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