Illegal pharmacies and counterfeit drugs are common on the Internet. An Institute delivers 12 golden rules for spotting imposters.
357 online pharmacies are authorized in France. But they represent the tip of the iceberg of the drug trade on the Internet. According to the International Research Institute for Anti-Counterfeit Medicines (IRACM), less than one in 20 sites is legal. The others offer products of random quality. They are at best ineffective, at worst dangerous to health. The IRACM therefore develops 12 golden rules aimed at patients. They make it possible to guard against the risks associated with the purchase of medicines on the net.
Mercury, uranium, rat poison, car antifreeze… The list of substances found in the products supposed to treat is alarming. But it is possible to sort between legal sites or not. This latest campaign provides some tips on how to do this effectively. Some evocative clues, such as sending spam, spelling mistakes, or even strange word choices are prohibitive. The IRACM invites Internet users to look for anomalies in detail, because the illusion is skilfully crafted.
700,000 deaths per year
Relying on sites registered in France is an effective solution for French nationals. A list is also available on the website of the Order of Pharmacists. The labels displayed on the site also make it possible to distinguish imposters from legal pharmacies. On this subject, the IRACM emphasizes the importance of checking the national legislation. In France, for example, only the sale of over-the-counter and non-prescription (OTC) drugs is permitted. A solution requested by 13% of French people.
Caution is warranted. 50% of medicines sold on the Internet are counterfeit. And some pose real health risks. Worldwide, 700,000 people die every year because of these poor quality products. This is why the IRACM acts intensively to identify offenders. 618 arrests or convictions were carried out between June and September 2015, underlines the Institute. Those prosecuted risk 3 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros. On the French side, operation PANGEA has identified 55 illegal sites and seized 190,000 counterfeit drugs.
Watch the program L’Invité santé by Pourquoidocteur
with Wilfrid Rogé (IRACM)
released on 06/23/2016:
.