The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a public health warning about the dangers of prescription medications sold by online pharmacies. Many of these medications are contaminated with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is fifty times more potent than heroin. This warning comes on the heels of a major indictment by the Department of Justice at the end of September, charging 18 individuals across the U.S., India, and the Dominican Republic with distributing millions of counterfeit pills disguised as legitimate pharmaceutical drugs. The defendants allegedly sold these dangerous pills throughout the U.S., including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with victims as young as 23 and as old as 77.
These online pharmacies are frequently selling counterfeit or unapproved medications that don’t meet the rigorous safety standards set by licensed pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has emphasized that people should only take medications prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and filled at trusted pharmacies. With so many rogue websites in operation, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to tell the difference between legitimate and fake pharmacies.
According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, nearly 95 percent of websites offering prescription drugs are operating illegally. These shady operations often create fake storefronts to look like legitimate pharmacies, tricking people into believing that the medications are coming from countries with high safety standards. But the reality is far different—the drugs could be fake, expired, or manufactured without any concern for safety or effectiveness. Many of these operations don’t even require a doctor’s prescription, and they aren’t licensed in the U.S. or regulated by state boards of pharmacy.
There are numerous red flags associated with these fake pharmacies. They might send medications that look completely different from what you’re used to receiving, or the packaging may be damaged, missing an expiration date, or even labeled in a foreign language. Sometimes, these pills are expired or contain harmful substances. The prices they offer are often suspiciously low, and they might charge you for items you didn’t order or never receive. Additionally, they frequently fail to protect your personal and financial information and might even sell your data to other websites.
The CDC and FDA are urging consumers to be cautious when purchasing medications online. Sticking to licensed, trustworthy pharmacies is crucial to avoid the risks associated with counterfeit or dangerous drugs. Protecting your health and safety should always be the top priority, especially when it comes to something as serious as prescription medications.
