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An advertisement for a so called ‘blue pill’ or other unlicensed drugs purporting to have similar properties to their licensed counterparts might seem to gain credibility when advertised in a magazine or on the internet. The successful prosecution of two men, however, has shown that these scams are, at best, to be avoided as a waste of time and money and, at worst, perilous to the purchaser’s health.

All drugs in this country undergo stringent tests. If advertised drugs haven’t been subjected to this rigorous scrutiny then there is absolutely no telling what someone might be putting into their body when buying unlicensed pills from the internet or from the back pages of magazines.

On 7 February 2008, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency successfully prosecuted two men at Bradford Magistrates Court for selling unlicensed medicines. David Tetley a retired man of 61 and Stephen Evans who is 49 and unemployed pleaded guilty to the illegal sale and supply of Kamagra, Kamagra Oral Jelly, Apcalis and Loveagra.

These products, as might be ascertained from their names, purport to give the same results as Viagra or Cialis, even though they are not medically proven to do so.

Tetley and Evans advertised the unlicensed and, therefore, illegal drugs in a gay magazine called ‘Shout’. The MHRA was alerted to the content of advertisement, carried out a test purchase and found the drugs to be unlicensed. The defendants were found guilty and fined £545 each.

Mick Deats, Head of Enforcement and Intelligence says "This successful prosecution highlights the robust action the MHRA takes against anyone, even first time offenders such as Tetley and Evans, who commit offences under medicines legislation".

So while these products might seem appealing due to promises made in advertisements and the fact that they are often cheaper than their medically licensed counterparts, the promises made are unproven, the ingredients are unknown and untested and the medical consequences of taking them potentially dangerous. Perhaps they are not such a bargain after all!