Top 5 most counterfeited drugs sold on the Internet

Online trade in medicines is growing by leaps and bounds, but this ease of access comes with a major risk: counterfeiting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 10% of medicines in circulation worldwide are falsified, a figure that is even higher in certain regions of Africa and Asia. The Internet has become a privileged channel for criminal networks to sell poor-quality, ineffective or dangerous products.

What is a counterfeit drug?

A counterfeit medicine is a product that presents itself as a genuine medicine, but in reality does not have the declared composition, quality or origin. It may contain too little active ingredient, none at all, or an excessive dose. In some cases, even toxic substances are present. The counterfeiters' objective is not patient health, but profit, often at the cost of human lives.

Why are medicines counterfeit?

The global pharmaceutical market is worth several hundred billion euros a year. Certain drugs, particularly expensive or in high demand, are becoming prime targets for criminal networks:

• High price: an expensive drug is more profitable if it is adulterated.
• High demand: erectile dysfunction, weight loss, antibiotics... areas where patients sometimes seek to self-medicate.
• Discretion when buying online: the Internet makes it possible to avoid medical supervision and legal channels.

The risks of using counterfeit drugs

Taking falsified medication can have dramatic consequences:

• No effective treatment: infection or disease progresses.
• Serious side effects: toxic substances, unknown excipients.
• Overdosage: can lead to severe intoxication.
• Bacterial resistance: in the case of under-dosed antibiotics.

According to a study published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2017), fake medicines are responsible for more than 250,000 malaria- and pneumonia-related deaths in children every year.

Top 5 most counterfeited drugs sold on the Internet

1. Erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis)

PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) are the most counterfeited. Highly sought-after and expensive, they are often sold over the Internet without a prescription. Many counterfeits contain too little active ingredient, or even dangerous substances.

2. Antibiotiques (amoxicilline, ciprofloxacine)

Widely used throughout the world, they are essential for treating infections. Counterfeit versions, often under-dosed, encourage antibiotic resistance, one of the world's greatest public health challenges.

3. Anti-malarial drugs (artemisinin and derivatives)

In malaria-affected areas, counterfeit medicines are widely circulated. The result: ineffective treatments that allow the disease to progress, killing tens of thousands of patients every year.

4. Anti-cancer drugs (bevacizumab, imatinib)

Their high cost and vital role make them a prime target. Fake products sometimes contain simple saline solutions, depriving patients of essential treatment.

5. Analgesics and painkillers (paracetamol, tramadol)

Often misused for self-medication, these medicines can be adulterated and contain toxic substances. Serious cases of poisoning have been reported, particularly in Africa and Asia.

How do you identify a fake drug?

Although it is sometimes difficult to detect a counterfeit with the naked eye, certain clues should raise a red flag:

• Prices too low compared to conventional pharmacies.
• Poor-quality packaging, spelling mistakes, missing logos.
• Lack of official instructions.
• Unclear provenance or unapproved website.

However, these checks are still insufficient, as some counterfeiters imitate official packaging perfectly.

Pharmanalyse: a reliable solution

To certify the quality of your medicines, the Pharmanalyse laboratory offers a unique scientific analysis service. When you send us your drugs, we verify their authenticity and composition. This enables you to :

• Ensure the quality of your processing.
• Contribute to the fight against counterfeiting thanks to the data collected.
• Protect your health and that of your loved ones.

In conclusion, counterfeit medicines represent a real threat to global public health. In particular, certain essential products such as antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and anti-malarials are targeted by criminal networks. Buying medicines only through official channels and using Pharmanalyse are two essential steps in protecting yourself.

Together, let's put a stop to counterfeiting and protect our treatments.

Photo credit Isaac Quesada on Unsplash