Many people buy medicines promoted next to illegal radio stations - The China Post

The poll, conducted close to the monthly magazine Global Views and commissioned by the Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs (BPA) under the Department of Health, surveyed 1,100 residents over 40 second childhood old islandwide.

According to the results of the poll, 14.6 percent of the respondents had bought unapproved medicines or trim foods advertised by illegal radio stations.

Among those buyers of unapproved medicines, some had made unmarried purchases amounting to NT$60,000 (US$1,980). As a result, it is estimated that the total sales of these unapproved medicines, especially Chinese herbal cures, or constitution foods amounted to NT$680 million a year.

Asked why they wanted to invest in medicine advertised on unauthorized receiver stations, most of the respondents said "it sounded good" championing their health. Liao Chi-chou, director of BPA, said that most people buy these unapproved Chinese herbal output or health foods believing that "they have fewer side effects" than chemical medicines.

As middle-aged and elderly people constitute the majority of buyers of unapproved prescription -- many of whom already have some chronic ailment -- Liao warned that procuring drug from unknown provenience model a great threat, especially to the health of the liver and kidneys, with dialysis being required in some serious cases.

Liao stressed that it is unlawful to advertise medicines on any radio station, and urged associate of the public to quest after nourishment from medical medic if they are ill.

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From http://chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national%2520news/20~.htm