Doctors warn about fake medicines

Publication Date:06/12/2007

Doctors are warning the public about a growing internet trade in fake medicines. They also say that buying any prescription drugs online is unwise, unless you've had a proper consultation with a doctor first.

What do we know already?

For many of us, the internet is a convenient place to do our shopping. People in the UK spend billions of pounds a year buying goods online. It's perfectly legal for UK pharmacists to trade over the internet.

Reputable online pharmacies in the UK allow you to post a prescription from your doctor and confirm the transaction online. You then get your medicine through the post. There's no problem with this, as you still receive the usual care from your doctor.

But although there are trusted internet pharmacies in the UK, companies from anywhere in the world can sell medicines online and ship them to the UK. It's hard to check if these companies are legitimate, and they're almost impossible to regulate.

Why are doctors worried?

The British Medical Association (BMA) points out that some internet companies sell prescription medicines without the proper medical advice, which can be dangerous. For example, many people will have received spam email offering Viagra for sale, for erection problems.

For some men, this condition can be an early sign of a serious medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease. Men who see their doctor will be checked for these underlying problems. But internet companies that sell prescription drugs don't always offer a consultation with a doctor. So buying drugs online could mean that a serious medical condition is missed and goes untreated, says the BMA.

Another big worry about medicines sold online is whether people really get what they're paying for. The World Health Organisation says that, from online pharmacies that don't give an address, 50 percent of the drugs sold are fake (counterfeit). They may contain no medicine, or even be made from harmful chemicals. Fake drugs can be dangerous.

The problem doesn't just affect drugs sold over the internet. Fake medicines often look very realistic, and in some cases have reached pharmacies, or been prescribed to patients. In the past three years, there have been 14 recalls in the UK of medicines that turned out to be counterfeit.

What should I do now?

The UK drug safety watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has launched a campaign against counterfeit medicines. If you suspect you may have been given counterfeit medicines, you should call their 24-hour hotline, on 020 7084 2701. You can also contact the MHRA by email (counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk).

You should also see your doctor as soon as you can to arrange replacement medicines. If you've been having health problems because of taking a counterfeit medicine, make sure you tell your doctor.

How can I check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate?

By law, all pharmacies in the UK have to register with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB). That includes internet pharmacies. You can make sure a pharmacy is registered using the RPSGB's website (http://www.rpsgb.org.uk).

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is also introducing a logo, in the shape of a green cross, to appear on the websites of registered pharmacies, to help the public identify them. The scheme comes fully into operation next year.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Anti-Counterfeiting Strategy 2007-2010. http://www.mhra.gov.uk.

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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.