Responding to complaints of the illicit sale of these drugs on X (formerly Twitter), the ministry said in a statement that the drugs could only be supplied by registered medical practitioners or pharmacists with a prescription for the purpose of medical treatment.
“Consuming these medications without professional health supervision may pose serious risks to the user,” said the ministry.
Antiretroviral therapy drugs are used in highly active antiretroviral therapy for people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
According to the health ministry’s website, the therapy consists of a combination of at least three drugs from at least three different antiretroviral classes, used to successfully suppress the virus’ replication.
The ministry said it had received complaints of the drugs’ sale on X, and that its pharmacy enforcement division had investigated the matter with the help of the Kedah health department.
“Inspections have been carried out at the house of the person (selling the drugs on X), and found that the drugs being advertised were for his own treatment.
“He has been warned not to repeat the offence, and the ministry will continue monitoring the situation. Legal action will be taken if the offence is repeated,” said the ministry.
It added that selling or supplying drugs controlled under the Poisons Act 1952 without a valid licence is an offence under Section 13 of the Poisons Act 1952, and can be punished under Section 32(2) of the same act with a fine not exceeding RM50,000, imprisonment not exceeding five years, or both.
Advertisements for drugs and health services intended for treating, preventing or diagnosing diseases are also regulated under the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
“Any party who wants to publish these advertisements must apply and get approval from the medicine advertisements board under the ministry in advance.
“Broadcasting advertisements without the board’s approval is an offence and can be punished with a fine not exceeding RM3,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both for a first offence,” said the ministry.
The public can verify the registration status of drugs or cosmetics before making purchases by visiting the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division’s website and checking the “product status” column.
Alternatively, they can contact the division at 03-7883-5400 or download the NPRA Product Status app for free.