Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rampant issues in online pharmaceutical sales, including counterfeit products, misleading labeling, and fraudulent reviews, which pose significant risks to consumers' safety and trust in e-commerce platforms [1][2][4]. Group 1: Counterfeit and Misleading Products - Numerous counterfeit products flood e-commerce platforms, often mimicking legitimate medications with similar packaging and names, leading to consumer confusion [1][2]. - Common tactics include "word games" where product names are altered to include terms like "repair" or "skin," and using similar color schemes to deceive consumers [2][4]. - Products labeled with "消字号" (disinfection) or "械字号" (medical device) are often misrepresented as effective medications, despite lacking rigorous clinical testing [4]. Group 2: Consumer Confusion and Regulatory Gaps - Consumers are often unfamiliar with the different product classifications, such as "国药准字" (national drug approval), which is the only legitimate identifier for approved medications [4]. - The approval process for non-drug products is less stringent, allowing potentially unsafe items to enter the market without adequate oversight [4]. Group 3: Fraudulent Practices on E-commerce Platforms - E-commerce sellers frequently engage in practices like fake reviews and inflated sales figures to mislead consumers into purchasing counterfeit products [6]. - The lack of a return policy for legitimate medications complicates consumer efforts to identify counterfeit products, as those that allow returns are likely not approved drugs [6]. Group 4: Regulatory Responses and Future Directions - The National Medical Insurance Administration is set to enhance drug traceability regulations starting January 1, 2025, aiming to create a comprehensive tracking system for pharmaceuticals [7]. - Experts emphasize the need for refined regulations to address the challenges posed by online drug sales, urging consumers to recognize legitimate products and utilize official tracking tools [8].