There is very little information about counterfeit drugs in the news. You would think that with counterfeit drugs becoming more prevalent on the market that there would be more information available about them. However, Pharmaceutical companies and governments are reluctant to notify the problem to health staff and the public because of the notion that the publicity will harm the sales of these companies’ brand-name products in a fiercely competitive business. This was so shocking to us! Once again greed has played a major factor in how the phamaceutical companies go about their issues even when it can possibly interfere with the lives of others. We're guessing the pharmaceutical companies don’t really care how many people don’t know or die from these counterfeit drugs as long as they're still getting their money. Cockburn states, “that most of the literature on counterfeit drugs is from local investigative journalism.” For people who are rightfully concerned, you can go to the FDA website to obtain more information. On the other hand, there are really no reliable accessible databases whereby health workers or the public can access completely current details of which products are being faked (Cockburn, 2009).
Cockburn, R., Newton, P., Agyarko, E., Akunyili, D., White, N., (2005) The Global Threat of Counterfeit Drugs: Why Industry and Governments Must Communicate the Dangers. Volume 2 Issue 4 April 2005. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
Cockburn, R., Newton, P., Agyarko, E., Akunyili, D., White, N., (2005) The Global Threat of Counterfeit Drugs: Why Industry and Governments Must Communicate the Dangers. Volume 2 Issue 4 April 2005. Retrieved October 1, 2009.
Wow this is a very interesting topic. I still can't believe that there isn't more information out there for people to learn more about this issue!
ReplyDeleteNow that it's mentioned, this is something that we rarely hear about. I think the public should be aware, especially those who are actually prescribed such medications that may be counterfeits, for their own medical purposes and concerns so that they may consult with their physicians about their pharmaceutical company of choice. At the same time, if the pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to sharing such information publicly, then how would one know? As a healthcare professional, I would like to have this information available to me for my own liability, since one of my job duties is to administer medications to clients and to provide client teaching regarding their medications. How can I effectively provide such teachings or monitor for expected side effects if I don't really know what's in the medication that I'm administering to my clients? It's kind of scary to think about. It's a shame how some people value money over life. SMH
ReplyDeleteYes, Yolanda that was my sentiments exactly. That's why our group felt the need to get this information out there to make more people aware of this prevalent issue.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment. We really appreciate it.
This was very informative, you do not hear much about counterfeit drugs. This has raised my awareness. It is scary to think of someone taking these drugs along with other medications and not knowing the possibility of other unknown ingredients that may have been included.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Lillie; people could also be at risk for drug interactions that may harm them. Another problem is that these patients are not treating the illness they bought the medication for in the first place.
ReplyDeletethanks for your input!