Counterfeit drugs lead to charges in Florida

The US has cracked down on the sale of counterfeit prescription drugs by charging 19 people in Florida with racketeering, organized fraud and illegal drug sales. They allegedly sold phony, expired, relabelled and diluted medications, including atorvastatin and celecoxib.

A 95-page indictment says the ring stole prescription drugs or bought them for pennies on the dollar from patients, doctors and pharmacists. They then sold them through shell companies in Florida and 6 other states. On July 1, Florida began enforcing a new law that increases the penalties for altering drugs, and makes it more difficult to obtain a distribution licence.

Nationally, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is exploring a variety of measures to make it more difficult to sell counterfeit drugs. “The dangers of counterfeit drugs are real, and we must protect consumers,” stated Tommy Thompson, the secretary of health and human services.

Although drug counterfeiting remains “relatively” rare, the FDA reports it is becoming more common. Health Canada issued a warning about counterfeit atorvastatin July 7, but a spokesperson said there have been no reports of the tablets being used in Canada. — Barbara Sibbald, CMAJ