Public Health Implications of Counterfeit Medications

Counterfeit medications are broadly defined as drugs that can contain inadequate amounts of active ingredients, contain the wrong active ingredients, be contaminated with harmful substances, and/or be falsely labeled. These medications are a public health issue globally, and their presence in the United States is growing. Counterfeit medications are produced without regulatory oversight and are distributed illegally, often via online sources. Use of these medications can result in adverse effects or a lack of improvement in a person's health condition. Nurses can assess where individuals are obtaining their medications and provide education about the potentially serious risks posed by counterfeit medications and how to avoid them.