The Doctors TV Show on a segment on Counterfeit Drugs, because 10% of all drugs sold worldwide are fake. These counterfeit products often will lack important active ingredients, worsen medical conditions, and can even be toxic. The Drs TV Show said that these Counterfeit Drugs are being sold both on the Internet as well as in mainstream pharmacies. 
The Doctors: Counterfeit Drugs
The Doctors were joined by the Consumer Correspondent for the Early Show – Susan Koeppen – to discuss Counterfeit Drugs. Koeppen said that these fake drugs are a global issue and it is hard for the FDA to put an exact number on exactly how much of this exists. Recently, the FDA wrote 294 warning letters to different websites that are selling counterfeit drugs. It is nearly impossible for you to tell if the drugs you have purchased are real or counterfeit. When the FDA did a test and bought Tamiflu on the Internet, it looked real, but the active ingredient that makes Tamiflu work was not found in the drug. In fact, penicillin is the ingredient that was found, and some people are extremely allergic to Penicillin and could have a dangerous reaction if they take it believing it is Tamiflu.
The Doctors: How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Drugs
The Doctors said that you should only buy from state licensed pharmacies. If you are buying drugs online, make sure it is from a state licensed pharmacy that has a phone number and an actual physical address.
The Doctors: VIPPS National Association Board of Pharmacy
You can also look for a seal that says VIPPS National Association Board of Pharmacy, because if the pharmacy is unlicensed, then probably 50% of their drugs are counterfeit.
Some other signs would be if the medication does not work for you or if you get side effects that are not normal. If you find Counterfeit Drugs, report the source to a government agency. Also, use common sense – if the price is too good to be true, then it is quite possibly counterfeit. And the last tip is to be wary if they do not require a prescription.
Leave a Reply