DOH Commissioner Julia Sheen, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is warning consumers to use extreme care when purchasing any products over the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the H1N1 influenza virus. This warning comes after the FDA recently purchased and analyzed several products represented online as Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which may pose risks to patients.

One of the orders, which arrived in an unmarked envelope with a postmark from India, consisted of unlabeled, white tablets taped between two pieces of paper. When analyzed by the FDA, the tablets were found to contain talc and acetaminophen, but none of the active ingredient in Tamiflu.

DOH and the FDA urge consumers to only purchase FDA-approved products from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. Consumers should contact their health care provider if they have any questions or concerns about medical products or personal protective equipment.

The two antiviral drugs approved by the FDA for treatment and prevention of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu and Relenza

The FDA actively monitors the Internet, and where appropriate, will purchase and analyze drug products.

Sheen urged consumers to also visit FDA's Web site for tips about how to protect themselves when buying medicines online.