FDA and Johnson & Johnson Warn Public About Counterfeit Contraceptive Patches Sold Through Foreign Internet Site

This press release was issued by the FDA and covered by Associated Press, Dow Jones, Bloomberg, The Pink Sheet Daily

The FDA and J&J are warning the public about an overseas internet site selling counterfeit contraceptive patches that contain no active ingredients. These counterfeit patches provide no protection against pregnancy. The fake birth control was offered for sale by a New Delhi-based Web site called American Style Products and shipped from India. "This case highlights the serious risks posed by foreign drug operations that bypass FDA safeguards. People are risking their health, in some cases their very lives, by buying illegal Internet drugs," said FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2004/NEW01017.html

Photos contrasting the legitimate contraceptive patch with the counterfeit are on display at the FDA's website:

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/photos/contraceptive/counterfeit.html