THE INSPECTORATE URGES THE PUBLIC TO AVOID THE USE OF MEDICINES FROM UNAUTHORIZED SOURCES

The Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor is warning the general 

public about the use of medicines from unauthorized sources (illegal medicines).

Illegal medicines are medicines that are sold outside of the approved, legal and regulated 

supply chain. They are not obtained from licensed pharmacies or official distributors. These 

medicines are often sold by unregulated individuals or establishments, fraudulent websites 

and are promoted on social media platforms. There is no guarantee that these medicines

meet the necessary standards of quality, efficacy and safety.

Such illegal medicines pose a serious risk to public health. Their quality is unpredictable as 

they may contain the wrong amount of active ingredients, harmful levels of other 

ingredients or no active ingredients at all. They may also be expired, contaminated or poorly 

stored. Illegal medicines are known to be manufactured in clandestine laboratories with no 

quality control.

People who use illegal medicines are therefore at a very high risk of treatment failure, 

unexpected and serious health problems and dangerous interactions with other medicines.

Noteworthy is the global rise in the sale of illegal medicines marketed for weight loss and 

diabetes. These medicines when obtained from the regulated supply chain should only be 

taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients who think they might 

benefit from treatment with weight loss drugs should consult a doctor and should not buy 

them without a prescription and from sources other than legitimate retailers (authorized 

pharmacies).

The public is advised to only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies! 

The Inspectorate strongly urges any individual possessing information regarding suspected

importation and or sale of illegal medicines to contact our office, as these actions constitute a violation of the law and present significant risks to public health and safety

The Inspectorate is committed to protecting your privacy and all reports will be handled in 

strict confidence.

To file a report please visit the Inspectorate at W.G. Buncamper Road 33, Philipsburg, Sint 

Maarten from 9:00am to 5:00pm or contact us via email inspectoratevsa.sxm@gmail.com.

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