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Friday, 06 November 2009 New advert shows risks of buying drugs onlineThe dangers of buying medicines online are once again being highlighted in a hard-hitting new campaign from drug company Pfizer backed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), The Patients Association and HEART UK. A TV advertisement, which can only be shown after 11pm, is the centre-piece of the campaign. Based on an ad previously shown in cinemas, it shows what could happen when you don't have a prescription but buy prescription-only medicines online. You could wind up taking fakes containing harmful ingredients such as rat poison, boric acid and lead paint.
Missed diagnosisThe MHF has joined the call for men to resist the tempatation to buy online. ‘It’s not just a question of what might or might not be in the fake drugs people buy online,’ said MHF CEO Peter Baker. ‘By self-diagnosing and not going to the doctor, men might be missing something serious – erection problems, for example, can be the sign of heart disease, diabetes or depression. Undiagnosed all of these health problems can kill.’ Research published by Pfizer to coincide with the campaign suggests that counterfeiters are exploiting UK consumers' lack of time and lack of money. About 15% of British adults admit to bypassing the healthcare system to get hold of prescription-only medicine without a prescription, according to the poll carried out by YouGov. Of these, a third (32%) said they were buying online because it was quicker while over a fifth (22%) were doing so to save money. A national billboard poster campaign will also run nationwide in November, with a consumer roadshow touring seven cities over the next week. Pfizer, who make Viagara, have set up a site giving more information and consumer advice at www.realdanger.co.uk.
Page last updated: 06/11/2009
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EVERYTHING you need to know about buying drugs online... The Enforcer: Inside the internet drug factory The Customer: 'I paid £130 for a product that didn't work' Readers' Survey: Most men WOULD consider buying online Should I buy drugs online? (advice for would-be buyers) Who's buying what? (facts and figures on the popular drugs) Safe Online Options (yes, they do exist.) Drug treatments for ED (FAQs) PLUS Feature: Pesticides and paint - Available now without prescription.
The Department of Health has provided funding to the Men's Health Forum, assisting the provision of health information and advice.
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Even when they don’t contain such toxins, fake medicines are often produced by people with no appropriate qualifications and can include too much, too little or none of the active ingredient they should include.
