DeGette Highlights Dangers Of Drug Counterfeiting
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) presided as Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee’s hearing on fighting the illegal supply chains of counterfeit drugs. Rep. DeGette highlighted the dangers of drug counterfeiting and questioned government agency leaders and other experts on how best to tackle this serious issue.
DeGette shows the package quality of counterfeit drugs
“Counterfeit drugs can contain dangerous impurities, incorrect ingredients, improper dosages, and also have improper handling. These fraudsters spend a lot of time recreating labels and packaging for these dangerous drugs so that they look exactly like the real thing,” said DeGette. “They spend more time worrying about what the packaging is going to look like to fool the consumer and a lot less time worrying about whether there is actual medication inside.”
“We have seen a number of troubling counterfeit drug cases recently. Criminals have tampered with pharmaceuticals used to treat illnesses like cancer and HIV/AIDS,” said DeGette. “Drugs used to treat schizophrenia were replaced with aspirin, counterfeit cancer drugs were tainted with nonsterile tap water, and counterfeit AIDS drugs have been found to lack any active ingredient.”
During the hearing, DeGette cited a recent FDA survey that found approximately one in four Americans purchase prescription drugs online.
“Most consumers purchase prescription drugs from reputable businesses, but there are thousands of rogue internet pharmacies. We need to have partnerships between the pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, non-profit agencies, and a variety of sources to let people know how dangerous it can be to buy drugs online.” DeGette continued, “Consumers should never have to fear that the prescription drug they need may actually make them sick or endanger the lives of their loved ones.”
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