Fake medicines surge 60% globally, fueling $200 billion crisis

Pharmacists warn of the dire health consequences posed by counterfeit medications, emphasizing that the counterfeit medicine trade has surged globally by 60% in the past five years, now generating $200 billion annually.

Unregulated products raise red flags

Health professionals highlight the risks of unregulated dietary supplements, vitamins and herbal products sold online or in markets.

The likelihood of these items being counterfeit is alarmingly high, cautioned pharmacists, urging consumers to rely only on verified sources.

‘May cause nerve damage’

Arman Uney, President of the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, described the situation as a severe public health crisis.

“Products often acquired through friends’ recommendations or online reviews can lead to devastating health outcomes. For instance, prolonged high-dose consumption of certain vitamins can result in nerve damage, while others may accumulate in the body and cause vitamin toxicity,” Uney warned.

He also noted misuse of protein powders in gyms: “Inappropriate use harms bone health and increases the risk of osteoporosis. Similarly, unregulated weight-loss supplements can trigger heart palpitations, high blood pressure, stomach cramps, and sleep disorders.”

‘100,000 deaths annually from fake medicines’

Nurten Saydan, President of the Union of Pharmacist Employers, cited shocking data from the World Health Organization (WHO):

In regions with limited oversight, such as Africa, up to 70% of medicines are counterfeit. Experts estimate these fake medicines cause the premature deaths of 100,000 people globally each year.

Erosion of trust amid rising counterfeit sales

Saydan emphasized that the prevalence of counterfeit medicines correlates with medicine shortages: “When legitimate medications are unavailable, counterfeit and illegal alternatives flood the market. The scarcest medicine becomes not only the most expensive but also the most dangerous.”

Pharmacists urge the public to avoid purchasing medications from markets, gas stations or online platforms.