Assessing the problem of counterfeit medications in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Counterfeit medicines pose an ever-increasing threat to public health, although precise tracking of illegal counterfeit prescription drug activity is difficult. Available data indicate that all types of medications have been targeted. Adverse health effects, including death, have resulted from using counterfeit medications; consumers who self-medicate without appropriate interactions with the healthcare system rarely receive adequate healthcare. The Internet provides a large, convenient route for counterfeiters to reach potential buyers with unregulated, often dangerous, products. The majority of medicines purchased via unverified Internet sites are counterfeit; often, these products lack the purported drug compound or have variable concentrations of active ingredients and sometimes contain dangerous toxins. Although many consumers acknowledge some degree of risk with purchasing medications via the Internet, speed, convenience and cost often prompt these purchases. Counterfeit medications also have been detected in the legitimate supply chain, but represent a significantly smaller proportion of sales than those purchased via the Internet. Pilot programmes in Europe have demonstrated that product verification systems prevent penetration of counterfeit products into the legitimate supply chain. Significant EU legislation, including stronger penalties for counterfeiting, is in development. In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched an initiative against counterfeit medication. Healthcare professionals should report suspected cases of counterfeit medication to the MHRA, be alert to threats to the medicine supply, and provide practical advice to patients about ordering medications online, including avoiding unregulated Internet pharmacies, and being suspicious of sites offering substantial discounts and prescription-only medication without a prescription.

Public and pharmacist perceptions towards counterfeit medicine in Lebanon using focus groups

“…One study expressed the pharmacists' need for counselling patients about the system and an official CFM reporting system. 13,25 Moreover, pharmacists indicated that CFM were more prevalent in the North, South, and Bekaa in accordance with phase one of the study where the extent of CFM ranged from 3% in ML to 12.1% in the South and the Bekaa. 11 The difficulty expressed by participants in identifying CFM was supported by other studies on how easy it is becoming to counterfeit.…”

“…13,27 Many studies have documented the impact pharmacists can play in improving patients' health outcomes, and decreasing the chances of dispensing CFM. 1,5,10,25,28 However, the good or bad headlines do influence the perception of the pharmacy profession, therefore, more efforts are required to enhance the reputation of the profession, and improve pharmacists' image to regain the public' trust. 29 Trust is an important asset the public can give to healthcare professionals when their work is for furthering social justice and public health.…”

Risks Associated with International Trading of Medicines by Non-Licensed Entities and Non-Professionals

“…Hence, even children may purchase these products indiscriminately. Other studies have reported underage patients having purchased prohibited substances including medicines and other substances from online, streets and from non-professional traders in Africa, Asia, Europe and elsewhere [90,[93][94][95][96][97].…”

Counterfeit Medications and Their Negative Impacts on Health Care

“…Dégardin and colleagues 5 noted that counterfeiting is a serious worldwide issue, and the networks manufacturing and distributing counterfeit medications are a component of organized crime.…”