For many Americans, the cost of prescription medications is a major concern. Even with insurance coverage, some medications can cost more than people can comfortably afford.
In fact, due to such high prices, 1 out of every 3 adults reported being unable to take a medication as prescribed due to cost in 2022.[1] The average American spends $1,400 on prescription medications each year, but for those with chronic or rare diseases, the costs can be exponentially higher.[2]
The increasing cost of prescription drugs combined with the convenience of the internet has caused many people to turn to online pharmacies to get their medications. Unfortunately, in October 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety alert warning about the increase in illegal online pharmacies selling counterfeit pills that may contain dangerous substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.[3]
In this article, we’ll discuss the rise in illegal online pharmacies, the dangers they carry, and how to protect yourself and your family when shopping for medications online.
Investigating the Rise of Fake Online Pharmacies
As more people turn to the internet to purchase medications, illegal online pharmacies, often based in foreign countries, are taking advantage. Many of these sites look like legitimate U.S.-based, FDA-approved pharmacies, but they are actually fronts for operations that work with drug traffickers. They often sell medications at a bargain price point or do not require a prescription.
These websites use tactics to appear trustworthy, like U.S. web addresses, professional designs, 24-hour customer service, and fake customer reviews. They may also offer deep discounts, making it seem like a great deal compared to traditional pharmacies. However, the medications they provide can contain deadly ingredients, additives, or impurities rather than the expected pharmaceuticals.
Highlighting the Dangers
Taking a pill that comes from a fake pharmacy has numerous risks. Most importantly, counterfeit drugs, especially those containing potent and dangerous substances like fentanyl or methamphetamine, pose significant risks to anyone who purchases them.
In a recent case highlighted by the DEA, a U.S. resident ordered what she thought was oxycodone from one of these sites. The pill she received looked like real oxycodone but was actually counterfeit, made with fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid linked to many overdose deaths in the U.S. Tragically, this individual died of fentanyl poisoning shortly after taking the medication.
There’s also a chance that the medication you get doesn’t contain the medication you need. For serious health conditions, this can have detrimental implications.
Aside from the obvious health risks, there’s also the risk of being scammed out of money or medication. Fake pharmacies could easily not send medication at all and steal your credit card information or other private health information.
How to Identify a Fake Online Pharmacy
The DEA’s ongoing investigation has flagged several online pharmacies involved in selling these counterfeit medications. Some of the websites listed include Curecog.com, Pharmacystoresonline.com, Careonlinestore.com, and USAMedstores.com, among others.
Consumers who have purchased medication from any of these sites have been urged to stop using the medication immediately and report their experience to the DEA.
The DEA has also provided a set of warning signs to help people spot potentially fake online pharmacies. Websites that do any of the following could be illegally selling unsafe drugs:
- Selling prescription drugs without requiring a prescription.
- Offering prices much lower than typical retail costs.
- Listing prices in foreign currencies.
- Lacking a valid state pharmacy license or DEA registration proof.
- Shipping medication in damaged or unusual packaging, sometimes with foreign language labels.
- Providing drugs without expiration dates or that are expired.
- Delivering medications that look different from what customers have received before from reputable pharmacies.
Saying Safe When Buying Medications Online
The DEA advises that the only completely safe prescription medications are those prescribed by licensed healthcare providers and dispensed by trusted, licensed pharmacies. For those who prefer to buy online, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure the pharmacy you are buying from is reputable:
- Always use online pharmacies that require you to provide proof of a valid prescription.
- Check for state licensing information on the website.
- Ensure the website lists a physical address and contact information that can be verified.
- Be cautious of pharmacies that ship from outside the U.S.
The growth of illegal online pharmacies is a major public safety issue. Not only are unsuspecting people at risk of receiving ineffective treatments and losing their money, but they may also face serious health complications or even death.
References:
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/following-the-money-untangling-u-s-prescription-drug-financing/
- https://komonews.com/news/consumer/why-americans-pay-more-prescription-drugs-pharmaceutical-industry-medication-budget-buster-insurance-expenses-governments-discounts
- https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-issues-warning-about-illegal-online-pharmacies
