HPRA warns of fake online ads promoting unapproved and dangerous medicines

Grainne Power, director of compliance with the regulatory body, said: 'A number of these purport to be genuine prescription medicines when in fact the products as presented do not exist as an authorised product in any market.' File picture

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has warned of a surge in recent weeks in online adverts promoting fake or unauthoritised medicines and products that could be potentially dangerous.

The adverts are even using the health watchdog's logo to falsely claim the are "endorsed by the HPRA". It said other regulatory bodies around the world have been targeted in a similar way in recent weeks.