FDA, DEA issue first joint warning letters to illegal opioid sellers 

In a first, the FDA and DEA yesterday jointly issued warning letters to four online networks that illegally market and sell unapproved or misbranded opioid medications, including the potentially dangerous drug tramadol (which is sold as ConZip and Ultram). The drug carries a warning for life-threatening side-effects and poses a risk for abuse and addiction. In their letters, the agencies are asking the networks — which operate a total of 10 websites — to stop selling the drugs immediately. The agencies expressed concern that by buying the drugs from these websites, patients can’t be assured of the quality or safety of the medications. The FDA and DEA expressed further concern that these products could in turn fuel the already heightened opioid crisis.