Counterfeit drugs ‘pose real threat’

Counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs pose a real threat to people, brands and governments, an expert has asserted.

Steve Powell, general manager and director of security solutions and Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, made his comments as his organisation launched a brand protection product, Kodak Traceless, which allows firms to monitor for forged drugs.

He argued: “Counterfeit prescription drugs quickly spread across the world markets, creating a substantial problem for government regulators, pharmaceutical brands and patients.”

Earlier this year, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society warned that millions of people could be risking their health by buying their over-the-counter drugs from online sources, meaning they could be supplied with counterfeit or inappropriate medicines.

The society’s director of practice and quality improvement David Pruce commented that people who want to buy their drugs online should do so through a legitimate online pharmacy.

He added that such retailers are experts and can supply medicines both lawfully and safely.