The truth behind fake medicines
Fake or counterfeit medicines are usually poor-quality and are often manufactured and stored in hazardous or unhygienic conditions. Unscrupulous producers and criminals have been found to include dangerous impurities in fake medicines, such as mercury, arsenic, rat poison and even cement.
If you purchase cheap medicines online from unregulated websites, you could buy a medicine that hasn’t been properly tested and approved for use in the UK. This means there is no guarantee of their quality, safety or effectiveness. These fakes may also be diluted or mislabelled. Taking medicines without consultation from a UK-registered healthcare professional can cause you serious harm. Even cheap medicines can come with a cost.
Buying fake medicine online can put you at risk of financial fraud
Buying fake medicine from illegal online sellers increases your health risk as well as theft and credit card fraud. You could even have your identity stolen.
Be aware that websites operating illegally, which often:
- Overcharge
- Sell medicines that don’t work
- Do not deliver the item you ordered
- Do not give refunds if you are unhappy
Don’t be a statistic. Always check before you buy medicines or medical devices online.