Counterfeit medicines
Get Real, Get A Prescription
The Patients Association has joined with the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, H.E.A.R.T UK, Pfizer and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain to support the Get Real, Get A Prescription campaign.
Aimed at raising awareness about the danger of obtaining prescription only medicines (POM) without a prescription, the hard hitting publicity campaign highlights the real risks for patients of bypassing the advice of a healthcare professional.
The MHRA have seized counterfeit medicines made to imitate medicines used to treat cancer, heart disease, obesity and arthritis. Fake medicines have been found to contain boric acid and lead paint, too much or too little active ingredient or the wrong ingredient.
According to research released in support of the campaign 33% of people believe that prescription only medicines sold without a prescription are the same as the real thing and 32% of those that purchase these medicines do so because its quicker than obtaining the medicines legitimately.
In support of the campaign PA Director Katherine Murphy said "Ignorance can be dangerous when it comes to counterfeit medicines. People would be shocked if they really knew what was involved in manufacturing these drugs. People simply aren't aware of the risks involved when bypassing the healthcare system and purchasing medicines via unregulated websites."
To find out more about the campaign including information on what to do if you think you've obtained a countefeit medicine and how to purcharse medicines online safely please visit the website below:
If you think you may have been a victim of counterfeit medicines then share your experience with the Patients Association by contacting our Helpline on 0845 608 4455 or email helpline@patients-association.com
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