238 Cases of Illegal Advertising of Sildenafil as 'Female Viagra' Detected
MFDS, 224 Cases of Illegal Unlicensed Overseas Drug Sales and Advertising
14 Cases of False Advertising on Food Sexual Function Improvement Detected
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] More than 200 cases of illegal activities, such as advertising and selling 'Sildenafil,' which has no efficacy in improving female sexual function, as 'female Viagra,' have been detected by authorities.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 9th that it identified 238 websites illegally selling and advertising products related to erectile dysfunction treatment and sexual function improvement online, requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission and others to block access, and referred the matter to relevant agencies for investigation.
The websites detected in this inspection included 224 cases of illegal unlicensed overseas drug sales and advertisements, and 14 cases of false advertising regarding the efficacy of foods in improving sexual function.
In particular, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety detected websites advertising and selling products containing Sildenafil as 'female Viagra,' despite Sildenafil having no relation to improving female sexual function. Sildenafil is an active ingredient in prescription drugs for treating male erectile dysfunction.
The Ministry consulted the 'Private Advertising Verification Group,' composed of medical professionals, consumer groups, and academia, regarding these products. The Private Advertising Verification Group consists of 90 experts who verify improper labeling and advertising that claim medical efficacy or disease treatment for foods and other products.
The verification group warned that since the safety and efficacy of Sildenafil use in women have not been confirmed, products containing Sildenafil should not be administered to women. They also emphasized that prescription drugs must be taken according to a doctor's diagnosis and prescription, as well as a pharmacist's dispensing and medication guidance.
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A Ministry of Food and Drug Safety official stated, "We will continue to inspect overseas direct purchase and proxy purchase products and related websites that advertise treatment effects for specific diseases such as erectile dysfunction online, to ensure that the public can safely purchase and use related products."
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