CDC Alerts about Counterfeit Medication On line

CDC: Counterfeit Drugs From Online Pharmacies Pose Considerable Danger

October 4, 2024

Agency notes that counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl and methamphetamine.

HealthDay News — Counterfeit medications from online pharmacies pose significant risks to patients, including overdose and death, according to a warning issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The warning follows a federal indictment announced last week against 18 individuals who are accused of running a massive illegal online pharmacy operation.

“The victims of the scheme include people from all walks of life — people of all ages and occupations — from all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Slovenia,” the US Department of Justice said in a statement announcing the indictment. “At least 9 victims who purchased counterfeit pills from the defendants died of narcotics poisoning, including a 45-year-old army veteran who thought she was purchasing real oxycodone.”

In its warning, the CDC noted that the counterfeit pills frequently contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The problem is pervasive: According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, almost 95% of online pharmacies operate illegally and 24% of Americans who have used an online pharmacy have been exposed to harmful, counterfeit, or substandard medications.

In light of that, people should only take medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy, the CDC said.

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Potential public health risk among individuals ordering counterfeit prescription medications from online pharmacies

Statement

For immediate release: October 2, 2024

CDC Media Relations

(404) 639-3286

media@cdc.gov

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is informing public health officials, clinicians, and affected patients, their families, and caregivers about a potential public health risk among individuals ordering what they believe to be prescription medications from online pharmacies. On September 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an indictment against individuals running illegal online pharmacies. According to the DOJ, these individuals are advertising, selling, manufacturing, and shipping millions of unregulated counterfeit prescription pills to tens of thousands of individuals in the U.S. The counterfeit pills frequently contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, and methamphetamine. Individuals who ordered drugs from these illegal pharmacies could be at risk for an overdose.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that there are online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription drugs at deeply discounted prices, often without requiring a prescription. These internet-based pharmacies often sell unapproved, counterfeit, or otherwise unsafe medicines outside the safeguards followed by licensed pharmacies. Individuals should only take medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.

According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, nearly 95% of websites offering prescription-only drugs online operate illegally.

If you or someone you know has purchased pills from an online pharmacy:

FDA's BeSafeRx

 campaign helps consumers learn about how to safely buy prescription medicines online: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information/besaferx-resources-consumers

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