Now more than ever, the proliferation, sale, and consumption of counterfeit drugs are on the rise. According to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the counterfeit industry brings in about $2 billion in profits eah year, with 10-30% of the drugs available in developing countries being the product of illegal counterfeit distribution. Not only are these statistics alarming, but they post serious dangers to the individuals who ingest these products.
When counterfeit drugs are produced, they are made using ingredients that are harmful to those who ingest it, with additives including paint fillers and other noxious checmicals.
So what can be done? Luckily, there are track and trace solutions available called serialisation that help to curb the burgeoning counterfeit market. Here’s what you need to know about track and trace serialisation:
What is serialisation?
Serialisation is a track and trace solution method that helps to prevent the proliferation and sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
How does pharmaceutical serialisation work?
Using serial numbers, manufacturers are pharmacists alike are able to track the exact process and trail of medication, from manufacturing to delivery to distirbution. At each stopping point, the product’s serial number is registered. When scanned, this track and trace pharma method provides a comprehensive, start to finish history of the pharmaceutical product.
Does this account for pharmaceuticals sold online?
Unfortunately, many wholesale and discount pharmaceutical websites have no way of being verified, and are therefore common distributors of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. When shopping online, look for websites that are FDA approved, or are run through sanctioned pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens.
As a consumer, it’s partially your responsibility to be aware and diligent of the products that you’re buying. In order to combat counterfeit drugs in your own way, the CDC recommends ordering your prescription drugs from licensed and accredited websites that provide receipts with your purchases. For more about this, go here. Find more on this topic here. Read more articles like this.
