FDA warns online pharmacies

The Food and Drug Administration has warned three online pharmacies that the nicotine products they sell may be illegal.

In letters to the companies, the FDA said that the nicotine lip balm and lollipops sold on their sites contain a form of the drug not approved by the agency. The FDA warned that the products, marketed as smoking cessation aids, are sold without a prescription and are not accompanied by adequate warnings. The sites have 15 days to respond. The FDA has been stepping up scrutiny of online pharmacies, especially those that try to circumvent the law by offering drugs without a doctor's approval.