Illegal Online Distribution of Hair Loss Medication via Overseas Direct Purchase and Proxy Buying, 1,000 Cases Detected Annually

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seonhee] It has been revealed that cases of illegal distribution of hair loss medication through online channels reach around 1,000 cases annually.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to the office of Yang Kyung-sook, a member of the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, the number of cases detected last year involving advertisements for hair growth and hair loss treatment products sold online was 949.

Selling prescription and over-the-counter drugs online violates the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. Prescription drugs must be purchased with a doctor's prescription, and over-the-counter drugs must be bought at pharmacies. In particular, drugs sold online often have unclear manufacturing and distribution channels, making safety verification difficult and potentially causing serious side effects.

However, illegal distribution cases through advertisements claiming to sell hair loss medication cheaply via overseas direct purchase and proxy purchasing online continue to be detected steadily.

Previously, 843 cases were detected in 2020, 1,286 cases in 2019, and 1,239 cases in 2018, showing around 1,000 cases of illegal distribution each year.

The reason why illegal online distribution of hair loss medication has not been eradicated is analyzed to be due to the increasing population suffering from hair loss and many attempting "irregular purchases" because of the financial burden of hair loss medication prices.

There is no exact data yet that accurately counts the domestic hair loss population. However, according to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of patients who visited hospitals for hair loss treatment steadily increased: 214,200 in 2017, 224,800 in 2018, 232,700 in 2019, and 233,500 in 2020.

As of 2020, by gender, there were 133,200 males and 103,000 females. By age group, the order was 51,800 in their 30s, 51,000 in their 40s, and 48,300 in their 20s.

This counts patients with alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, cicatricial alopecia, and other non-scarring hair loss conditions covered by health insurance. Considering cases due to aging and genetic factors not covered by health insurance, the actual domestic hair loss population is expected to be even larger.

Representative Yang stated, "A significant number of people, including young adults in their 20s and 30s, are suffering from hair loss, while covert drug purchases through online channels such as overseas direct purchase continue. Since misuse and side effects are concerning, urgent measures must be found to resolve these issues."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.