CDC: Counterfeit Drugs From Online Pharmacies Pose Considerable Danger
By Physician’s Briefing Staff HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 -- Counterfeit medications from online pharmacies pose significant risks to patients, including overdose and death, according to a warning issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The warning follows a federal indictment announced last week against 18 individuals who are accused of running a massive illegal online pharmacy operation.
"The victims of the scheme include people from all walks of life -- people of all ages and occupations -- from all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Slovenia," the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement announcing the indictment. "At least nine victims who purchased counterfeit pills from the defendants died of narcotics poisoning, including a 45-year-old army veteran who thought she was purchasing real oxycodone."
In its warning, the CDC noted that the counterfeit pills frequently contained fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The problem is pervasive: According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, almost 95 percent of online pharmacies operate illegally and 24 percent of Americans who have used an online pharmacy have been exposed to harmful, counterfeit, or substandard medications.
In light of that, people should only take medications prescribed by a licensed health care provider and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy, the CDC said.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted October 2024
Read this next
Persistent, New Mucus Plugs Associated With Faster Decline in FEV1 in COPD
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025 -- For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), persistent and newly formed mucus plugs are associated with a faster decrease in forced...
Combinations of Chronic, Physical Illnesses Up the Risk of Subsequent Depression
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 2025 -- Certain groups of physical multimorbidity may be associated with a higher risk of subsequent depression, according to a study published online May 13...
Adding Team Therapist Reduces Burnout for Critical Care Nurses
TUESDAY, May 20, 2025 -- For nurses in critical care areas, adding a team therapist can reduce burnout and improve resilience, according to a study presented at the American...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.