The State Institute for Drug Control (SÚKL) in the Czech Republic has issued a stark warning against the sale of illegal drugs containing harmful substances. This caution follows the discovery of 89 illegally traded drugs in Prague, which were falsely promoted as treatments for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. However, upon investigation, it was found that these drugs contained different substances, including vitamins and fiber.

The SÚKL has strongly emphasized the health risks associated with purchasing drugs outside of licensed pharmacies. There is no guarantee that drugs obtained through unofficial channels are safe or that they contain the ingredients they claim to have. The institute is particularly concerned about drugs bought at markets or online, where sellers may promise “guaranteed cures” at discounted prices, preying on unsuspecting consumers.

Another alarming issue raised by the SÚKL is the proliferation of fake advertisements that misuse the names of well-known individuals, such as cardiothoracic surgeon Jan Pirk. Pirk has received complaints from people who were targeted by advertisements promising a “miracle cure” for calcium buildup in veins, falsely using Pirk’s name. He has clarified that he possesses no medical expertise in the areas claimed by these advertisements.

To combat the illicit drug trade, the SÚKL has already issued ten fines this year, totaling CZK 138,000 ($6,300). In the previous year, 25 cases resulted in penalties totaling CZK 500,000 ($22,900) for illegal drug handling. The institute is actively encouraging people to report suspicious drug sales through its website and stresses that prescription drugs cannot legally be sold online.

The SÚKL’s overarching message is clear: individuals should always consult their healthcare providers about health concerns and avoid purchasing drugs from unverified sources. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of being informed about the substances in medicines and being aware of the potential risks associated with taking them.

This warning from the SÚKL serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers associated with counterfeit and illegally traded drugs, highlighting the need for vigilance when it comes to personal health and medication choices.

Article by Prague Forum