Ever since, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) placed a restriction on doctors prescribing Reductil, a popular weight loss drug, the Australian Medical Association has been concerned some patients may attempt to purchase the drug, which a clinical trial has found to be potentially fatal for patients with heart disease or hyper-tension, online.

According to the Australian Medical Association, Reductil replacing the now prohibited Ponderax and restricted Duromine has become Australia’s most popular weight-loss pill.

However, 200 reports of adverse reactions to the drug has caused the TGA to impose restrictions on Reductil, which has been linked to strokes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, anxiety and at least one death in Australia.

Dr. Brian Morton from the AMA has asked people to be careful about purchasing the drug sibutramine over the Internet, since the medication requires supervision and should not be taken without prescription, including concerns about the safety of drugs bought online, which often are not genuine.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 30% of medication purchased over the Internet being counterfeit.

Black market Reductiil pills have been found to contain only between five and ten percent of the active ingredient, with the rest filler, cut with possibly unsafe or toxic substances.