Counterfeit Drugs: Online Pharmacy Risks & Health Dangers
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting the public to a potential health crisis stemming from counterfeit prescription medications acquired through online pharmacies.
- These pharmacies are accused of advertising, selling, manufacturing, and shipping millions of unregulated counterfeit pills across the U.S.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that many online pharmacies offer prescription drugs at drastically reduced prices, frequently without requiring a prescription. These pharmacies often distribute unapproved,...
Examine the alarming rise of counterfeit drugs sold online and the severe health dangers they pose. The CDC warns that unregulated online pharmacies are peddling fake pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, putting countless Americans at risk of overdose. Verify a pharmacy’s U.S. state license before purchase and exercise extreme caution with any online pharmacy not demanding a prescription. News Directory 3 reports on the FDA’s ongoing efforts to combat this crisis, highlighting the importance of sourcing prescription drugs from legitimate, licensed providers. Prioritize your safety: do not ingest pills from unverified sources and have naloxone on hand. Discover what’s next in the fight against dangerous online pharmacies and how to protect yourself.
CDC warns of Health Risks from Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Sold Online
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting the public to a potential health crisis stemming from counterfeit prescription medications acquired through online pharmacies. This warning follows a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announcement on Sept. 30, 2024, detailing charges against individuals operating illegal online pharmacies.
These pharmacies are accused of advertising, selling, manufacturing, and shipping millions of unregulated counterfeit pills across the U.S. These pills often contain dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine, posing a significant overdose risk to unsuspecting consumers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions that many online pharmacies offer prescription drugs at drastically reduced prices, frequently without requiring a prescription. These pharmacies often distribute unapproved, counterfeit, or otherwise unsafe medications, bypassing safety measures implemented by licensed pharmacies. The FDA stresses that individuals should only take medications prescribed by licensed healthcare providers and dispensed by licensed pharmacies.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports that nearly 95% of online pharmacies selling prescription-only drugs operate illegally.
The CDC advises consumers to take the following steps if they have purchased pills from an online pharmacy:
- Verify if the pharmacy is U.S. state-licensed via the FDA website.Do not consume medications from unlicensed pharmacies.
- If you suspect counterfeit pills, do not ingest them. Dispose of them safely.
- Be wary of online pharmacies that do not require a prescription, are not licensed in the U.S., or offer prices that seem too good to be true.
- Carry naloxone,an opioid overdose reversal drug,and ensure someone is nearby when ingesting any unknown substance.
- In case of poisoning, call 911 promptly. For questions about unknown substances, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
The FDA’s besaferx campaign offers resources on safely buying prescription medicines online.
What’s next
The CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available, emphasizing the importance of obtaining prescription medications from reputable and licensed sources to avoid the dangers of counterfeit drugs and protect public health.