1. Kyle Purchase and Matt Mastrogiovanni
Counterfeit Drugs
Kyle Purchase and Matt Mastrogiovanni

2. What are counterfeit drugs?
Counterfeit drugs are drugs that say they have the exact same ingredients as the real drug. Sometimes, they may even have the wrong ingredients or no active ingredients at all. Counterfeit drugs may be falsely sold under brand names. Since the packaging may not provide truthful information about the ingredients or who made the drug, you can’t be certain what you’re getting. If you take counterfeit drugs, you are at risk for serious health problems, including unexplained side effects or allergic reactions. And your health could worsen if the “drug” you’re taking is ineffective.

3. Current scams
Andrew J. Strempler, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for his role in an online pharmaceuticals scam that sold unapproved drugs to United States citizens, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s office. In October, Strempler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud. He was president of Mediplan Health Consulting Inc., a Canadian company that also operated under the name RxNorth.com. The company marketed and sold prescription drugs to residents of the United States.

4. Tips to Avoid counterfeit drugs
Know your medications - If you know the size, shape, color, taste, and side effects of the prescriptions you take, you will more easily identify possible counterfeits. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything different about a medication.
Pay attention to packaging - Check for altered or unsealed containers, or changes in the packaging or label. Contact your pharmacist or doctor if you notice any changes.
Make sure the company is licensed - If the seller is unfamiliar check with your state board of pharmacy or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy at or call These sources can tell you if the pharmacy is licensed.
If you believe you have bought a counterfeit drug, report it - Contact the pharmacist who sold you the medication. Your pharmacist will know if there has been a legitimate change in the color, shape, taste or packaging of the medication. You can also report your suspicions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

5. statistics
Nearly half the drugs sold in Angola, Burundi, and the Congo are substandard
About two thirds of artesunate (anti-malaria) drugs in Laos, Myanmar Cambodia and Vietnam contain insufficient active ingredient
Most fake drugs originate from China and India
Fake drugs kill over 700,000 people every year

6. Frequently asked questions
How can I get my money back?
If law enforcement agencies take legal action, they try to recover victims’ money, but it’s not always possible. If you paid with a credit card or the money was debited from your bank account, you may be able to dispute the charges or debit. Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately. If the charge was on your telephone bill, contact the company that sent you the bill to find out how you can dispute the charge. Some online auction sites have insurance that covers at least a portion of the loss in auction transactions. Read the terms and conditions of the insurance carefully before you bid.

7. Frequently asked questions cont.
How can I tell if something might be a scam?
It’s probably a scam if someone:
Makes an offer that sounds too good to be true;
Promises that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily;
Asks for money to enter a contest, win a sweepstakes or lottery, or claim a prize;
Refuses to send you written information before you agree to buy or donate;
Refuses to give you a physical address;
Refuses to give you the details of the offer before you make any payment;
Requests your bank account or credit card number when you are not making a purchase with that account;
Uses scare tactics or pressure to act immediately;
Insists that you wire money or have a courier pick up your payment;
Refuses to stop calling after you’ve asked not to be called again;
Contacts you to ask for personal information the company already has.
Gives you a check or money order and asks you to send some of the money somewhere.    

8. links http://www.fraud.org/fakedrugs/faq.htm
Medicine/default.htm
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