Health 2.0 Conference Talks About The Problem Of Counterfeit Medicine Scams

Creating counterfeit or fake medication involves using hazardous or harmful substances,
incorrect or no dosage. Counterfeit drugs are dangerous; they usually come packaged to look authentic. Additionally, counterfeit medical equipment, mosquito nets, vaccines, and
bug sprays are possible in the health care industry.
As highlightd at the Health 2.0 Conference , one of the most notable healthcare events in
Dubai, chemical analysis in a laboratory is the only reliable method of determining
whether a drug is authentic or fake. Counterfeit drugs are challenging to identify. Even
though fake medications can have different sizes, shapes, or colors or come in subpar
packaging, they frequently look like the real thing.
While fake pharmaceuticals and health goods are available everywhere, they are
particularly prevalent in low- and middle-income nations, where it may be challenging to
police drug quality standards. According to studies, between 9% and 41% of
pharmaceuticals sold in low- and middle-income nations are fake. Contrarily, less than
1% of drugs sold in high-income countries like the United States are fake.

How Prevalent Are Counterfeit Medication Scams?

Everything from cosmetic fillers to leukemia medications can be fabricated. Fake
medicines are less common in nations with strict drug regulations, like Australia,
especially when purchased from reliable vendors like licensed pharmacies. A
pharmacist's license could be revoked if they are discovered to be dealing in counterfeit
goods.
If you try to purchase medicine online, you will likely run into a scam. While some
websites are genuinely situated and market goods from abroad, they have an Australian
appearance. The World Health Organization claims that many medications marketed
online are scams.

Health Risks Of Fake Goods

All unapproved medicinal products are dangerous, but the danger from fake products is
substantially more severe. Anyone who will break the law to get your money may also be
willing to scam you or put your health in danger.
If a fake medication is meant to treat a life-threatening condition, it may fail to treat the
sickness, which can be fatal. More than 250,000 youngsters lose their lives each year due
to pneumonia and malaria medications that are fraudulent or of poor quality.

Fake medications containing impurities or undeclared components may trigger
unanticipated inadequate responses. Additionally, weak medications that include diluted
antibiotics contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Its Critical To Be Vigilant.

Since counterfeit medications are close copies of the real thing, it can be challenging for
both authorities and consumers to spot them. Drugs of poor quality may have some
therapeutic benefit, but their active ingredient is in lower concentrations.
The products that require the most attention, according to the discussions at top
healthcare events, are
● Items and medications associated with COVID-19, including single-use surgical
masks, medications, and disinfectants for malaria, vaccines, and coronavirus
detection tests.
● Medicines for cancer, malaria, and HIV, among others.
● Prescription medications, such as those used to cure erectile dysfunction or lose
weight.
● Surgical instruments, radiotherapy equipment, contact lenses, condoms, or
syringes.

Here Are Some Methods For Determining Their Veracity:

1. Verify the seal.
The security seal shouldn't be broken or interfered with, especially when it comes to
bottled medications. Before buying the sealing tape, experts from the Healthcare 2.0
Conference suggested checking for a crack or whether it is broken. Dont purchase it if
you suspect it is damaged or tampered with.
2. Inspect the packaging.
This is possibly the most accessible approach. Look at the typeface, spelling, and color if
it is a medication you have already purchased. In a counterfeit drug, one or more of these
are frequently incorrect.
3. A review of drugs visually.

The World Health Organization states that the following common physical characteristics
of medicine tablets should be checked:
• Small pieces of tablets or too much powder at the bottom of the medicine container;
• Cracks in the tablets;
• The presence of crystals on the sides of the container or the pills;
• Softening or hardening of the medications;
4. Price
Make sure to double-check if the cost of the medications drops suddenly. The likelihood
in this situation may indicate that the medicine is fake. Since medicines are often
produced in a comparatively uniform way, changes in the pricing of one brand can have a
significant impact on all other pharmaceutical companies. So take care.
5. Surprising adverse effects or allergies.
An allergic reaction or a rapid, unanticipated side effect are the effects that counterfeit
pharmaceuticals might have on us immediately. Fake medications can have wrong
ingredients, an inappropriate dosage, or dangerous ingredients with no medicinal product.
If you notice any unexpected adverse effects, stop taking medicine immediately and
consult your doctor.
6. Send an SMS to confirm validity.
The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has developed a technological method to
validate the legitimacy of pharmaceuticals. Customers can get an authentication message
from the pharmaceutical producer by SMSing the unique "Authentication code" to their
authorized number.

Summary

Counterfeit medicines or of poor quality are a public health concern. While government
organizations are attempting to stop this illegal market, it is crucial to remain vigilant and
follow any recommendations made by medical professionals.
Additionally, it's crucial to avoid purchasing medications from questionable sources in
unlicensed locations. Due to the pandemic, there has been an increase in online shopping,
and there may now be a greater risk of purchasing fake medications. It is, therefore,
essential to visit the directories of physical stores and websites of authorized sellers,
which national health agencies publish for each country.