The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a stern warning about counterfeit drugs illegally sold through online pharmacies, reminding the public to be aware of the potential risk of overdose.
The warning comes after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) last week indicted illegal online pharmacies for selling fake prescription drugs containing fentanyl and methamphetamine to tens of thousands of people in the United States, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people.
“Victims of the scheme included people from all walks of life, of all ages and professions, from all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany and Slovenia. At least nine victims were The defendant purchased counterfeit medicines. explain U.S. Attorney Damian Williams in the indictment.
Unlicensed online pharmacies often lure buyers by promising to offer heavily discounted prescription drugs even without a prescription. However, many of these drugs are unapproved, counterfeit or unsafe, bypassing the strict regulations that licensed pharmacies must adhere to, ultimately putting lives at risk.
“Counterfeit pills often contain fentanyl (a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine) and methamphetamine. Individuals who order medications from these illegal pharmacies may be at risk of overdose. , “CDC Press release pointed out.
Nearly 95% of websites offering prescription drugs online illegallyaccording to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
“Individuals should only take medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy,” the CDC said.
The CDC urges individuals who have purchased medications from online pharmacies to verify whether the pharmacies are licensed in their respective U.S. states. If an unlicensed pharmacy is discovered, use of the medicine should be stopped immediately and safely discarded.
Individuals should be especially wary of online pharmacies that do not require a doctor's prescription, lack proper licensing with the U.S. and your state's Board of Pharmacy, or offer prices that seem too good to be true. You can find state-licensed pharmacies here.
In the meantime, if someone is showing signs of an opioid overdose, the CDC recommends using naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug. If a poisoning emergency occurs, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.