| News & Updates |
ADVISORY: FDA Warns of Purchasing Over the Internet Unapproved and Illegal H1N1 Drug Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 15, 2009 warned “…consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus.” Some of these products may pose increased risks to patients when purchased from unfamiliar businesses online. Many of these businesses operate outside U.S. laws. Risks associated with some of these medications include life-threatening adverse events, contaminated or impure drugs, and drugs having dangerous interactions according to the FDA.
Drugs that are in high demand, particularly during any type of public health event, are vulnerable to counterfeiting. Criminals, particularly cybercriminals, will attempt to capitalize on the situation. Don’t become a victim.
“Consumers are urged to only purchase FDA-approved products from licensed pharmacies located in the U.S. Consumers should contact their health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about medical products…” (FDA, 2009)
When making purchases online, review the privacy and security policies of the business, do not provide any sensitive personal information (i.e., social security numbers, credit card information) unless you are sure the Web site will protect this information, and will not sell the information to others.
To learn more about protecting yourself when buying medication online go to the FDA Resources for You site. To file a complaint about a Web site go to the FDA Report a Problem site.
Be Informed. Stay Safe.
Denise Walker, D.B.A.
CSO
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Updated 07/21/09: LSCS continues to regularly monitor the H1N1 outbreak. To date, there have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus on any LSCS campus. We will continue to provide updates as significant changes in the situation occur on the web at www.lonestar.edu/11399.htm, Pandemic Planning.
As many of you may now know, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the Pandemic Alert Level from Phase 5 to Phase 6. A Phase 6 Alert indicates that a global pandemic is occurring and there is efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission at the community level. As of today, nearly 30,000 confirmed cases have been reported in 74 countries.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated on June 11, 2009 "the decision by the WHO was expected and does not change what we have been doing here in the United States to prepare for and respond to this public health challenge...what this declaration does do is remind the world that flu viruses like H1N1 need to be taken seriously."
Continue to practice the following:
If you or someone you know should become ill, this individual should stay home from work or school until without a fever for 24 hours. Other measures you can take to reduce contracting the flu include:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
There are many resources available to learn more on the H1N1 virus or to develop an individual plan. We suggest you start with the following links::
• Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services: http://www.hcphes.org/
• Texas Department of State Health Services: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/
We appreciate your support in keeping our community prepared.
Swine Flu Factsheet (English) Swine Flu Factsheet (Spanish)