Medicines Seizures of medicines ordered online have increased during the pandemic, says Customs – one-third of erection drugs seized, anti-parasitic drugs a new phenomenon

Medicines online orders and, at the same time, order takeovers have increased significantly during the corona epidemic, says Customs in a press release. Last year, more than 70 percent more medicines were seized by Customs than before the corona pandemic in 2019.

Erectile dysfunction drugs have been particularly popular, accounting for 30 per cent of the drugs seized by Customs last year. The year before, the share was as high as 40 percent. In addition to these, Finns have ordered, among other things, antidepressants, antibiotics, drugs that promote hair growth and, as a new phenomenon, parasiticides.

Multi The consumer may think that the online store selling medicines is Finnish, and taking over the order may come as a complete surprise. The appearance of a foreign and illegal online pharmacy may confuse the consumer if the name of the store and the content of the pages are in Finnish.

For example, over-the-counter erectile dysfunction drugs are also prescription drugs, and legitimate online pharmacies do not sell them without a prescription from a doctor. The customer’s alarm bells should start ringing if the online pharmacy offers any prescription medication without a prescription.

Medicinal products Procurement by post from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) is illegal, Customs recalls. It is up to the customer to make sure that they are dealing with a legitimate online pharmacy.

A legitimate online pharmacy can be identified, for example, by a common European logo, precise contact details and reasonable delivery terms. Legitimate Online Stores and over-the-counter medications can also be checked on the Fimea website of the Pharmaceutical Safety and Development Center in Finland.

According to Customs, medicines from other countries can be received by post under certain conditions. The purchase must come from a legitimate online pharmacy, and prescription drugs require a prescription. Medicinal products for personal use can be ordered for up to three months.

If the conditions for importation are not met, the customer may lose the medicines and money they ordered in connection with the takeover. At worst, a customer can commit a drug offense, Customs reminds.