Medicine or venom?

An increasing number of substances claiming to cure various illnesses are surfacing on online platforms today, seemingly unmonitored by proper authorities, particularly the Department of Health (DoH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Does danger await those who trust these unregistered "online" remedies?

In this modern age, buying products is just a single tap away on our smartphones. But along with the convenience brought by the internet comes the rapid spread of a silent yet deadly threat: The emergence of online medicines and health supplements that lack approval from the FDA under the DoH.

Don't we frequently see products on social media platforms carrying miraculous promises? "Miracle cure for cancer and diabetes," "fast weight loss," or "100 percent natural with no side effects"—these are common catchphrases used to entice buyers, especially those desperate to be cured of their illnesses.

These advertisements even utilize manipulated images or fake doctor testimonies generated through artificial intelligence.

But as "AWAKENED" consumers, we must ask: Is this medicine, or a venom that slowly poisons our bodies?

If a product lacks FDA certification, it means it did not undergo laboratory testing to verify its safety, quality, and efficacy.

Health experts themselves warn that consuming unregistered medicines carries severe risks. These items may contain hidden chemicals undeclared on the label, contaminated ingredients, or incorrect dosages.

Worse yet, instead of finding a cure, many victims of these online "miracle drugs" end up hospitalized due to severe liver damage and kidney failure.

I am reminded of a friend who was deceived by testimonials seen online and purchased a supposed "CURE" for diabetes. Consequently, their condition worsened, and my friend ultimately passed away at a young age. May my friend rest in peace.

Placing trust in these counterfeit medicines delays the proper medical attention that a patient actually needs. While time and money are wasted on fake remedies, the underlying illness progressively worsens, sometimes leading to irreversible or fatal complications.

There is nothing wrong with our desire to recover from sickness and regain good health, but we must not gamble our lives on unknown sellers on the internet.

This practice should not be tolerated. Driven by the high cost of prescription medicine, many people tend to patronize untested alternative drugs, lured by unverified testimonials.

The DoH, the FDA, and the national government must act decisively on this issue, alongside social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and similar networks.

Kawawa naman ang mga taong naloloko ng mga taong nasa likod ng mga pekeng gamot na ito.