FDA warns about dangerous Internet drug mistake

A drug used to treat schizophrenia was mailed to some consumers who had ordered other medications via the Internet, and several users had to seek emergency treatment because they could not breathe, U.S. health officials said on Friday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that instead of receiving the products they ordered, some consumers were sent the prescription drug haloperidol. Several patients had to seek emergency care after taking the pills, the agency said without citing a specific number.

Sold legally as Haldol by Johnson & Johnson and in other generic versions, the anti-psychotic drug is know (sic) to cause muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, agitation and sedation.

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The agency said those who have received medications from an Internet seller should compare them to photos of the faulty orders, which can be seen on the FDA's Web site[.]

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