The spread of fraudulent drugs poses a serious danger to the public’s health. While governments and international organizations put their efforts into curbing fake drug selling schemes, they continue to reemerge, particularly during the influenza season. In these circumstances, individuals should also take responsibility for their health, ensuring that they purchase only safe medications.
To combat the spread of counterfeit and substandard drugs, it is essential to educate the public on how to recognize fake medicine. First of all, consumers should be aware that flu drugs are not sold without a prescription (US Food and Drug Administration, 2018). Some over-the-counter medicines can be used to reduce certain symptoms such as fever, but they cannot “cure” or “prevent” influenza, and FDA warns against buying products that make such promises (US Food and Drug Administration, 2018). For instance, fraudulent drugs manufacturers may claim that their medicine can prevent catching flu without a vaccine, reduce the severity of the illness, or cure it fast (US Food and Drug Administration, 2018). It is essential to be particularly careful when purchasing medicine online. Online pharmacies that sell prescription drugs without a prescription or at reduced price best to be avoided (US Food and Drug Administration, 2018). It is recommended to use only certified sellers with a licensed pharmacist available to answer questions (Bupa Global, n.d.). Following these rules, customers can ensure their safety while buying medications.
There are many fake drug schemes that are widespread on the Internet. Some of them include selling counterfeit medications that are disguised as well-known products. To spot them, it is essential to check the packaging and the drugs carefully (Bupa Global, n.d.). Sometimes poor-quality or unusual packaging can indicate fraud (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). For instance, the drugs may have different shape or color, or the packaging may miss expiry date (Interpol, n.d.). Some researchers also advise avoiding several drugs marketed as relieving influenza symptoms such as Oscillococcinum, Colloidal Silver, and Zink (Radcliffe, 2018). Selling various kinds of homeopathic remedies is immensely facilitated by fake news that suggests that vaccination is dangerous or unhelpful (Sanicas, 2018). Buying uncertified products that contain harmful ingredients or larger dosages of active ingredients can be more than just a waste of money – it may lead to serious health consequences.
Although the influenza season increases health anxiety in many individuals, it is during global pandemics when such schemes are particularly successful. For instance, a noticeable increase in selling and buying fake medicine was noted during the 2009 H1N1 virus pandemic (DeNoon, 2009). Another impetus to fraudulent medicine advertising was given by the COVID-19 pandemic. FDA warns against purchasing questionable products that are marketed as Coronavirus tests, treatments, and vaccines and claim to cure or prevent COVID-19 contagion (US Food and Drug Administration, 2020, April). The organization regularly updates the list of fraudulent Coronavirus medicine that is worth consulting with (US Food and Drug Administration, 2020, September). However, it is important that people acknowledge that there is no drug that can cure or prevent COVID-19 yet and avoid purchasing any products that claim otherwise.
Manufacturers and sellers of fraudulent medicine use not only people’s fears but also their hopes while marketing their goods. For instance, exploiting the vulnerability of people with eating disorders, dealers sell life-threatening drugs such as DNP, advertising them as effective for weight loss (McKay, 2020). This requires stricter governmental control, as well as spreading awareness on the consequences of taking weight-loss pills with unknown or dangerous ingredients.
To conclude, while it is officials responsibility to curb illegal medicine schemes, the public should also recognize the dangers associated with buying fraudulent products. It is particularly important these days, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people are increasingly anxious about their health. Being bombarded with fake news, they may be misled by false promises made by dishonest manufacturers. Hence, individuals should be aware of how to detect counterfeit or substandard medicine, be it flu, weight loss, or COVID-19 drugs.
References
Bupa Global (n.d.). How to avoid counterfeit medicines. Web.
DeNoon, D. D. (2009). Beware fake Swine Flu drugs, FDA warns. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017). Counterfeit medicines. Web.
US Food and Drug Administration (2018). FDA warns of fraudulent and unapproved flu products. Web.
Radcliffe, S. (2018). Here are 5′ fake flu products’ you should watch out for. Web.
Sanicas, M. (2018). Flu vaccine fake news that goes viral during the flu season. Web.
US Food and Drug Administration (2020). Beware of fraudulent coronavirus tests, vaccines and treatments. Web.
McKay, S. (2020). ‘Knowing it could kill you isn’t a deterrent’: the deadly trade in diet pills. Web.
US Food and Drug Administration (2020). Fraudulent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) products. Web.
Interpol (n.d.). Fake medicines. Web.