Medication Adverse Event Alert

February 20, 2007

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

The following was posted on an FDA Med Watch alert dated February 16, 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. Haloperidol 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/)."