Resources for media and policymakers
When first getting up to speed on the issue of drug safety, there are a number of resources we recommend you look at. First is our handout "Counterfeit and unsafe drugs in the United States [PDF] " and then "Counterfeits vs. Substandards [PDF]".
Remember for a second that one person harmed by a counterfeit drug is too many. Where can you find statistics and incidents that help quickly convey the scope and magnitude of the larger problem? Start with the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, which works with all the major manufacturers to identify counterfeit incidents globally. They have data going back for nine full years on the problem as it's gone global. They have data on where in the world the problem is happening and broken down by therapeutic category. They also track the arrest data.
You will not find a reliable expert that will give an estimate of the counterfeit problem globally. Depending on where you look, the problem can be much worse than other places. Incidents of counterfeiting aren't that high in the United States as they are in the third world, but they are growing.
Another good measure of the problem comes from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. They monitor the population of fake online pharmacies and provide a sort of "weather report" on the problem of fake pharmacies selling online to Americans.
To get a sense of the human toll, read our Counterfeit Drug Incident Encyclopedia. There we write up reliably-sourced incidents of counterfeiting both within the United States and in many countries that people think are "safe" for importation (they are not).
Finally, we retain an extensive bibliography of peer-reviewed research on counterfeit drugs. One section covers reporting and data, and includes studies of the magnitude of the counterfeit drug problem in many places throughout the world.
Additional resources
History of Online Pharmacy Regulation
Interested in what different policies have been applied to the online pharmacy space? Check out our history which includes major events and players in the online pharmacy space.
Periodically we present key information to policymakers and the media on Capitol Hill. Take a moment and watch a recording of our briefing even if you weren't able to attend.
Principles for Drug Safety / International Principles for Drug Safety
The Principles for Drug Safety (and it's international counterpart) is an excellent starting point for crafting policies that create a drug distribution system that is without compromise.
SafeMeds Alert System and Weekly Counterfeit News
The SafeMeds email alert system echoes counterfeit drug and drug safety alerts from the US FDA, the Canadian FDA, the MHRA, and other regulators worldwide via it's email list. We also cover incidents of drug counterfeiting around the world and send a weekly news summary. To sign up, fill out the form on the left side of this page for "Breaking News".
Handouts for consumers that help educate them on how to buy and save money on their prescription safely, minimizing the risk of getting counterfeit drugs. Most available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
Counterfeit Drug Fact Sheet (updated May 16, 2011)
What is a counterfeit medicine? Why are counterfeit medicines a problem? How large a problem are counterfeit medicines?
What is pharmacovigilance? (updated June 22, 2011)
It's a big word that rarely fits into a headline, but it's an important topic that is often mentioned in the context of the counterfeit drug problem. What is it? Who's pursuing it?
