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Avoiding Counterfeit Medications

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, counterfeit drug activity has quadrupled in the last six years. In addition, the World Health Organization estimates that seven to ten percent of medications worldwide are fake .

Counterfeit medications may include any drugs that are expired, contain harmful or incorrect ingredients and dosages, or are inaccurately packaged. The following are some safety precautions you can take to avoid counterfeit medications:

• Pay attention to the medicines you take . Be sure to pay particular attention to the correct dosage and warnings about the possible side effects that may occur when taken with other medications. Immediately contact your doctor if you notice:
  
  • Your medication has changed in shape, taste, color, smell, or feel
    
  • Your medication has been packaged differently
    
  • Your medication is no longer producing the same results, which can occur if you've taken a counterfeit product

• Exercise extreme caution when buying medications online . Only order medications from websites that have the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal.

• Be especially careful of the following drugs , which the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has determined have been frequently counterfeited in the past:
  
  • Lipitor (atorvastatin)
    
  • Lamisil (terbinafine)
    
  • Sustivaa (efavirenz)
    
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
    
  • Procrit (epoetin alfa)
    
  • Zocor (simvastatin)

Just because you are taking one of these medications, however, does not mean it is fake.

• Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about medications you are taking. A health care professional may be able to determine whether you have received counterfeit drugs.

For more on Consumer Drug Safety click here.

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