The FDA has issued another alert to consumers about purchasing drugs via internet websites after a number of consumers received drugs containing haloperidol, a powerful anti-psychotic.

Consumers who placed orders for specific drugs – Ambien, Xanax, Lexipro and Ativan – instead received products that contained the haloperidol, a drug used to treat schizophrenia. Reports show that several consumers suffered symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, muscle spasms and muscle stiffness after ingesting the suspect product and sought emergency medical treatment.

The FDA wants to caution consumers about the dangers of ordering prescription drugs online and states that consumers should consult the FDA website before buying medication over the Internet.

Photos of the of the tablets in question and the shipping packages can be seen here.

Human growth hormone has been marketed widely as an anti-aging treatment. Although the FDA has repeatedly taken regulatory action against certain distributors, unsubstantiated claims for HGH treatment continue to be made and it continues to be sold illegaly.

Now a Stanford University report published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine says that there is no proof that human growth hormone prevents aging but there is proof it can cause some serious side effects.

Use of human growth hormone could cause joint swelling and pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and increase your risk of developing diabetes. In studies, HGH did not increase bone density or lower cholesterol and use of HGH treatment resulted in an increase of less than 5 pounds of muscle mass and a decrease in the same amount of fat – results you could achieve through regular exercise.

HGH is prescribed by doctors for only two conditions: the wasting syndrome caused by AIDS and growth hormone deficiency.

For more information:

Researchers: No Proof That Human Growth Hormone Extends Life Span

Growth Hormone Schemes and Scams