CDC Warns of Overdose Risk from Counterfeit Medications Ordered Online

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is alerting the public to a significant health risk associated with purchasing prescription medications from online pharmacies. A surge in counterfeit pills containing dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine is contributing to a rise in overdoses across the United States.

The Rise of Counterfeit Pills

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently indicted individuals involved in operating illegal online pharmacies that are advertising, selling, manufacturing, and shipping millions of counterfeit prescription pills. These pills often mimic legitimate medications but contain potentially lethal doses of fentanyl – a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine – or methamphetamine. Individuals who unknowingly consume these counterfeit pills are at a high risk of overdose.

Risks of Online Pharmacies

The FDA warns that many online pharmacies claim to offer prescription drugs at drastically reduced prices, often without requiring a valid prescription. These internet-based pharmacies frequently sell unapproved, counterfeit, or unsafe medicines, operating outside the strict regulations that govern licensed pharmacies. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, approximately 95% of websites offering prescription drugs online are operating illegally.

How to Protect Yourself

To safeguard your health, the CDC and FDA recommend the following:

• Only take medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
• Verify the pharmacy’s U.S. State license using the FDA’s State-Licensed Online Pharmacy tool: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/besaferx-your-source-online-pharmacy-information/locate-state-licensed-online-pharmacy.
• Do not consume medications obtained from a pharmacy that is not U.S. State-licensed.
• Be wary 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 prices that seem too good to be true.

Recognizing Counterfeit Medications

Counterfeit medicines can be difficult to identify, as they often appear identical to genuine products. However, some signs to look for include:

• Poor-quality packaging or printing.
• Differences in size, shape, or color compared to your usual medication.

Emergency Response

If you or someone you know has purchased pills from an online pharmacy and suspect they may be counterfeit:

• Do not take the medication.
• Dispose of the medication safely.
• Have naloxone available, an opioid overdose reversal drug, and know how to utilize it.
• In case of a poisoning emergency, call 911 immediately.
• Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or visit https://poisoncenters.org for questions about an unknown substance.

Resources for Safe Online Pharmacy Practices

The FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign provides resources and information on how to safely buy prescription medicines online.

This is a developing public health concern, and staying informed is crucial to protecting yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of counterfeit medications.