Valium Sold Online Could Be Counterfeit, FDA Warns

The FDA is warning consumers who purchase diazepam (Valium) online that the anti-anxiety drug could be counterfeit.

Muscle spasms in the face, neck, and tongue were among the 700 adverse events reported to the World Health Organization by patients in Central Africa who consumed mislabeled diazepam that was actually the anti-psychotic drug, haloperidol (Haldol).

Although the FDA has not confirmed that these counterfeit products are reaching the United States, the agency is advising consumers who purchased them online to check whether the pills are authentic. It noted the counterfeit tablets are light yellow, scored across the center of the tablet on 1 side, and bear the letters “AGOG” on the other side.

Any patients who have purchased tablets that fit this description should not use it, the FDA warned. Consumers should also beware of online pharmacies that:

· Sell drugs without requiring a prescription

· Offer deep discounts or cheap prices that seem too good to be true

· Send spam or unsolicited email offering cheap drugs

· Are not licensed in the United States

The FDA is encouraging patients and health care professionals to report related adverse effects to its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.