Men Ignorant About True Risk Of Fake Medicine

Main Category: Men's health
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 17 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PST

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New research released today (12 November) highlights the risk men are taking by purchasing counterfeit medicines. The 'Cracking Counterfeit' report commissioned by Pfizer reveals one in ten men interviewed - which would equate to more than 335,931 men living in major cities alone - admit to purchasing prescription only medicines without a prescription.1* ,2

Half (50%) of the men who have purchased medicine without a prescription have done so via the internet - a worrying statistic when you factor in that 90% of all medicines sold on the internet are thought to be fake.1** ,3

The reality is that counterfeit medicine can damage one's health, and in some cases cause death. 4 Counterfeit medicine can contain high levels of toxic solvents5 for example, rat poison has been found in a counterfeit blood pressure lowering treatment, while boric acid and lead based road paint have both been found in a counterfeit medicine used to ease severe pain.5

The study also highlights the ignorance amongst men about which medicines actually require a prescription - only 40% of the men interviewed knew that erectile dysfunction medicine was in fact legally available only with a prescription.1**

The report also illustrates just how big the counterfeit medicine market is - with men potentially pouring more than £10 million into the counterfeit medicine market annually.1*, 2

The 'Cracking Counterfeit' report reveals:

-- 68% of male respondents suspect ingredients found in counterfeit medicine to be very different from authentic medicines.1**

-- 37% of men cited convenience and speed as the key reasons why they purchase medicine without prescription.1**

-- The majority (60%) of the men who have bought medicine without prescription admit that if there was a possibility their medicine was counterfeit, it would have a great impact on their likelihood to purchase.1**

-- Almost half (45%) of men purchasing without a prescription agreed that it was easy to get hold of.1**

Dr David Gillen, Pfizer's Medical Director said: "Men bypassing the health system to purchase medicines is a growing problem in the UK, particularly relating to the increased availability of counterfeit medicines. These new findings show that men are not only often ignorant about what medicine actually requires a prescription but worryingly they know buying medicine from illicit sources might be harmful but convenience and anonymity often outweigh their fear levels."

"Today, 12% of UK men like to gamble online.6 Almost the same proportion, 11%, may be literally gambling on life through purchasing potentially counterfeit medicine.1* The findings paint an interesting picture and help us to further educate the public around the risks of purchasing medicine through unregulated sources, ultimately reducing exposure to counterfeit medicine."

Leading media medic Dr Mark Porter, who is supporting Pfizer's campaign, said: "I can see why some people might consider buying prescription medicines online from unregulated 'pharmacies' - it's convenient, relatively anonymous and often cheaper - but they shouldn't. Any apparent benefits are more than outweighed by the risks of ending up with counterfeit medicines. Fakes that are unlikely to contain what they are supposed to, and which often contain chemicals they shouldn't. At best they are useless, and at worst potentially lethal."

The 'Cracking Counterfeit' report has been undertaken to provide a much needed insight into why the public is buying prescription only medicine from illicit sources. While the pharmaceutical industry works with health regulators, global customs and trade organisations to uncover counterfeiters and bring them to trial, this report uncovers why people, particularly men, continue to fuel the market.

The risks of buying medicines from unregulated sources are further highlighted through a national road show, commissioned by Pfizer, which aims to warn people of the dangers of bypassing their GP or pharmacist to seek prescription only medicines. The 'Fake Medicine, Real Danger' road show kicks off in London and will travel to five key cities in the UK over the next seven days.

About Pfizer

Pfizer Inc, the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines in 11 therapeutic areas including oncology, cardiovascular, pain, neuroscience and infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Pfizer is also the world's largest animal health company.

Pfizer Inc employs approximately 85,000 colleagues worldwide, all working together for a healthier world. Pfizer conducts more biomedical research than any other organisation, and has 12,000 professionals working in four major R&D sites worldwide, including Sandwich in Kent. Pfizer's annual UK R&D investment is more than £550 million - more than £10 million a week.

In the UK, Pfizer has its European R&D headquarters at Sandwich and its UK business headquarters in Surrey, and is the major supplier of medicines to the NHS.

www.pfizer.com

References

1. TNS survey data, September 2008. 187874: PR Consumer Survey. Participants: 935. Cities included Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Leeds, Norwich, Southampton. Medicines included were erectile dysfunction medicine, smoking cessation medicine, weight loss medicine, cholesterol-lowering medicine and anti-depression medicine

2. ONS Census 2001

3. In-PharmaTechnologist News. Last accessed 08.10.08, link.

4. WHO and IMPACT factsheet. Counterfeit drugs kill! Last accessed on 08.09.08, link.

5. Pfizer data on file

6. Jacques, R. One in ten men gambles online. Computer Shopper. Last accessed 05.11.08, link.

Source
Kate Aldous
The Red Consultancy
41-44 Gt Windmill Street
London, W1D 7NF