News Room

COUNTERFEIT MEDICINES

While the issue of counterfeit medicines is not new, there seems to be a growing prevalence of incidents reported by the media. The following articles highlight some of the reported cases, and dangers, of counterfeit medicines.

Some 10 percent of drugs are counterfeits

(Money Times - October 27, 2007) More than 560,000 fake medicines were seized at the European Union's borders in 2005, a 100 percent increase from 2004.

Groups warn of counterfeit dangers

(Globe and Mail - October 25, 2007) Canadians should be on guard this holiday season against an influx of counterfeit and uncertified products that pose a risk of serious injury or illness. A recent coroner's report established the first clear-cut case of a death stemming from counterfeit drugs bought on the Internet -- a 58-year-old Vancouver Island woman died in December 2006 after taking pills she purchased from a bogus online pharmacy.

NAFDAC Destroys $150m Fake Products in 6yrs

(This Day - October 25, 2007) Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit and sub-standard products valued at over $150 million over the last six years. The Agency has proposed the establishment of an international convention on counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals, given the international network behind the manufacturing and distribution of fake drugs.

Counterfeit Drugs, Killing

(NAM Blog - October 24, 2007) Many compelling reasons present themselves to oppose the spread of counterfeit drugs. Fakes represent theft of millions upon millions of dollars of value, undermine international protection of intellectual property, and its damage often redounds -- unjustly -- to pharmaceutical companies.

EU should join global anti-piracy push -Commission

(Reuters - Oct 23, 2007) The EU's Executive Commission recommended that the EU should join a drive for an agreement between the world's biggest economies to fight piracy in countries such as China. A new Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement would bolster efforts to protect intellectual property around the world and safeguard consumers from forged products, including the growing problem of fake drugs.

Counterfeit Drug Sales in Africa Strong, Threaten Public Health

(VOA News - October 19, 2007) At a market in Dakar, tables are piled high with boxes of medication. Antonio Mazzitelli, the head of the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime for West Africa, warns that these sales can be deadly. Health officials say counterfeit pharmaceuticals are killing thousands and making it harder to treat infections.

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Concern over counterfeit products

(The Sunday Times - Sri Lanka -- October 14, 2007) The Sri Lankan government this week expressed concerned over the proliferation of counterfeits and said there was an urgent need to stop or minimize the production and sale of these products in Sri Lanka.

The Dangers of Counterfeit Drugs

(ABC Action News - October 12, 2007) Piracy and counterfeiting are well-known problems, but when the products are supposed to protect your health, the concern rises to a whole new level. Modern-day pirates are increasingly moving into an area that could threaten your health - counterfeit drugs.

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