Counterfeit Medicines

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in May 2006 jointly published guidance for pharmacists which explains the causes and consequences of counterfeiting and provides pharmacists with practical advice on detecting and reporting suspected counterfeit medicines.

Counterfeit medicines: Guidance for pharmacists explains the background to counterfeit medicine production and highlights how organised criminal gangs have become involved in the production of illegal medicines and are supplying them through the internet, often to unwitting patients.  The guidance offers pharmacists invaluable practical advice on the correct steps to take when they encounter suspected counterfeit medicines. These steps include reporting the situation to the MHRA and ensuring immediate patient safety.

The guidance can be accessed at:

The established way to obtain medicines is from a pharmacist. Increasingly, however, purchases are being made over the internet.

If you are thinking about buying what may be a Prescription Only Medicine, we strongly urge you to consult your doctor, rather than purchase the medicine direct from an internet supplier without a prescription.

Any reports of suspected/actual counterfeit medicines in Northern Ireland should be reported to:

Mr Peter Moore
Senior Medicines Enforcement  Officer
Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety
Pharmaceutical Advice and Services
Room 4.8
Castle Buildings
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3SQ

E mail: peter.moore@dhsspsni.gov.uk

Tel: 028 9052 2094

or contact MHRA directly

A hard-hitting cinema advert supported by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), The Patients Association, Men’s Health Forum and H.E.A.R.T. UK  to warn about risks of fake medicine was launched in January 2009.

More details can be accessed at: