Enforcement Actions against Counterfeit Medication in the US

The dangers posed by narcotics, as well as the lethal war waged against them, are well known. Yet the death toll from dangerous therapeutic drugs probably exceeds that of narcotics.

Millions of dollars are wasted every year on products that may kill you, sold either online or at your neighbourhood pharmacy by lazy, cost-cutting manufacturers.

An FDA enforcement action against counterfeit medication rings in the USA increased by more than 100% from 106-2021, according to a study by professor of pharmacy practice Michael White.

In the author's words, "these counterfeiting operations involved tens of millions of pills and more than 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds) of active ingredient powder. Unfortunately, with over 11,000 rogue pharmacy sites selling drugs on the internet, these actions barely scratch the surface.”

Such counterfeit drugs include opioids like oxycodone and hydromorphone. It also contains stimulants including benzodiazepines, which are otherwise used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. China, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Russia were the most common suppliers.

The counterfeit medication is either purchased to circumvent physician control or to save money. To reduce the demand for counterfeit medications, the US government must lower the cost of prescription medications.