A report issued by the nation’s top drug authority has revealed that online sales of medicines have skyrocketed in China, reaching the total value of 7 trillion yuan ($1.1 trillion) last year, the China Daily reported.
According to the report, last year's sales were higher compared with 4.3 trillion yuan in 2013 and 100 million yuan in 2010. Among the top sellers are medical treatments that boost male potency.
The online sales data from more than 300 government-recognized outlets and covers over-the-counter medicines and health products such as dietary supplements were contained in the China Medicine Market Development Blue Paper. However, prescribed drugs and medical appliances were not included.
The report said that the best-selling medicines are donkey-hide gelatin products, which are used to treat bleeding and insomnia, followed by medical treatments for erectile dysfunction and remedies for hair loss.
The other popular items mentioned in the report include vitamins, calcium supplements, treatments for digestive problems and constipation, eye drops, gynecology drugs, and non-oral pain management products.
Liu Pei, head of the China Food and Drug Administration's 12320 hotline, however, said that the online sales of fake drugs and medical appliances are the most common subject of public complaints and calls.
Liu urged buyers to be cautious and buy drugs only from government-authorized online outlets. She said that people can call their helpline to check the names of outlets and other related information.
The report said that the Chinese government will continue with its efforts to crack down on illegal online drug sellers, as well as publish the details of those who will be caught violating the law.
Sun Zhongshi, an expert at the government's Drug Evaluation Center, said that accessibility and the lower prices of some drugs have contributed to the continued and rapid growth of the online drug market.
"More value-added services such as pharmaceutical expertise are needed to facilitate online transactions of prescription drugs," Sun added.
Last year, the administration issued a draft regulation on the management of online drug sales for internal consideration that, once approved, will allow the online sales of prescription drugs.
Sun said other drafts were also being deliberated on, which cover subjects such as the issuing of prescriptions online and medical insurance.
The report added that the potential long-term e-commerce customers are patients prescribed with drugs for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.