CDC warns of potential public health risk from online pharmacies and counterfeit meds

Ordering from online pharmacies comes with a risk of receiving unapproved or counterfeit medications that could result in harm to the user, said CDC.  

The overwhelming majority of websites advertising prescription-only drugs, which the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports is almost 95%, are not legitimate pharmacies. Based on recent law enforcement activity, these operations draw in customers by offering deep discounts and waiving the requirement for a prescription. However, regulatory and law enforcement agencies say they are actually selling sham products that often contain fentanyl, a potent man-made opioid that puts users at risk for overdose.  

Consumers who have patronized an internet-based pharmacy should check for the business under FDA’s tool for finding state-licensed online pharmacies.  

They are also advised not to take and to safely dispose of any suspected counterfeit medications and call 911 in the event of a poisoning emergency.