Embedded Files
To Secure an Appointment, Please Complete the Intake Form. We will Promptly Respond via Email During Business Hours. Thank you.
CDC: Counterfeit Drugs From Online Pharmacies Pose Considerable Danger
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.
An official website of the United States government
Potential public health risk among individuals ordering counterfeit prescription medications from online pharmacies
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
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.
If you or someone you know has purchased pills from an online pharmacy:
Check to see if the pharmacy is U.S. state-licensed. Locate a State-Licensed Online Pharmacy | FDA
. If you have obtained medications from a pharmacy that is not U.S. state-licensed, do not consume the medication.
If you suspect you have counterfeit pills from an illegal online pharmacy, do not take them. Dispose of them safely
. Beware of online pharmacies that:
Do not require a doctor's prescription.
Are not licensed in the U.S. and by your state board of pharmacy.
Offer deep discounts or prices that seem too good to be true.
Always have naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, with you. Naloxone should be given immediately in response to any person who shows signs of an opioid overdose. Always have someone nearby whenever you are ingesting any unknown substance or medication in case of emergency.
In case of a poisoning emergency, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
For questions about an unknown substance, contact Poison Control (call 1-800-222-1222 or visit https://poisoncenters.org).
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
Related Pages
Related Pages
###
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse