·       The techniques used to imitate original products and deceive consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. ¹

·       Counterfeit drugs These are those whose identity, composition, or origin has been deliberately misrepresented. ²

 

Guatemala, June 25, 2025. The International Working Group on Counterfeit Medical Products (IMPACT) estimates that up to 50% of medicines sold online may be counterfeit and, moreover, acquired from illegal websites.^¹ It should be noted that what appears to be an online pharmacy could be a front for a fraudster; websites may even use official-looking seals and logos, guarantee satisfaction or a refund, and appear legitimate, but in the end, they are not.^³

 

Counterfeit drugs are products whose identity, composition, or origin has been deliberately misrepresented and may be presented as authentic; however, they often contain incorrect ingredients; too much, too little, or no active ingredient; or other harmful ingredients. All of this is done with the intention of deceiving the patient and making a profit. ^{2 and 4} For this reason, they are often sold online or in unregulated markets. ²

 

It is important to note that these medications pose a significant threat to global public health, since, with incorrect ingredients or dosages, they can be ineffective in treating a disease or directly harmful to the patient if they contain contaminants or toxic substances. Furthermore, they can represent an indirect danger by increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. ²

 

In addition to the above, counterfeit drugs hinder the effectiveness of health systems and erode patient trust in healthcare services, government agencies, and manufacturers of genuine medicines. ^{2 and 5}

 

Ángel Meléndez, Vice President of Global Product Integrity for the Patient Safety Program and Safety Leader for the Americas Region at Pfizer, stated that patient health and safety are fundamental and reaffirmed the company's commitment to meeting high standards of quality and safety for its products, because behind every medicine there is a story, a person, a mother, a father, a health professional, a friend, or a child. 

 

“Hence our drive to combat the threat posed by counterfeit medicines to global public health; we are implementing actions that involve taking measures to make it more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit medicines; identifying those involved in the manufacture and distribution of these medicines to facilitate appropriate preventive and legal action; strengthening efforts to improve public awareness of the risks posed by counterfeit medicines; and working together to prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching patients ,” Meléndez continued.

 

According to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), one in ten medicines circulating in low- and middle-income countries is counterfeit or of substandard quality. Furthermore, to date, all areas of therapeutic care have been affected by counterfeit medicines.^⁵

 

How to recognize them?

 

Both healthcare professionals and patients should be aware of how they might be exposed to counterfeit medicines. To detect potential warning signs, it is recommended to check if the medicine or packaging looks different from what you normally receive; recognize if you have experienced any unusual or new side effects after using the medicine; and be vigilant if you purchased the product from an online pharmacy. ⁴

 

The public is advised to purchase their medications at pharmacies or centers duly authorized for their sale, in order to obtain safe, quality and effective drugs. ⁴

 

According to the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI), pharmaceutical crimes increased by 4% in 2023, affecting approximately 154 countries, including those involving counterfeit pharmaceuticals. ^“ Equitable access to medicines and their reliable supply are objectives of the World Health Organization. Within this framework, it is essential to understand that manufacturing, distributing, and selling counterfeit medicines is a crime; we are at the forefront of the fight against these medicines that endanger the lives of people in every country ,” concluded Ángel Meléndez.

 

Pfizer Inc.: Innovations that change patients' lives

 

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that significantly extend and improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes some of the world's best-known medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical and innovative companies, we collaborate with healthcare professionals, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to trusted and affordable healthcare around the world. For more than 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all those who rely on us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizercac.com and follow us on social media through our Facebook page: Pfizer Central America and Caribbean, and Pfizer Health Connection on Instagram.

 

Sources:

 

1.      Guízar, V. The global challenge of combating counterfeit medicines. Pg. 314. Available at: https://archivos.juridicas.unam.mx/www/bjv/libros/7/3367/15.pdf Last accessed June 2025.

2.      World Health Organization. Substandard and falsified medical products. Available at https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/substandard-and-falsified-medical-products . Last accessed June 2025.

3.      Federal Trade Commission: Tips for Consumers. Buying Health Products and Services Online. Available at:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/whocares/prescriptiononline.shtm Last accessed June 2025.

4.      Food and Drug Administration. Counterfeit Medicines. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/counterfeit-medicine Last accessed June 2025.

5.      IFPMA. Counterfeit Medicines. Available at: https://www.ifpma.org/areas-of-work/improving-health-security/falsified-medicines/ Last accessed June 2025.

6.     Pharmaceutical Security Institute. Geographic Distribution. Available at: https://www.psi-inc.org/geographic-distribution . Last accessed June 2025.