Medication fraud

Pharmaceutical forgery is always a serious health risk. In fact, a falsified drug is never equivalent in quality, safety and effectiveness to the corresponding original drug, even when it contains the correct amount of active ingredient. The degree of danger depends on the type of forgery

In Italy, the marketing of falsified medicines is practically limited to illegal online pharmacies and unauthorized shops (gyms, Afro-shops, beauty centers, etc.).

The phenomenon of forgery also affects dietary supplements, medical devices and cosmetics to which substances with pharmacological activities are fraudulently added (medicines in disguise).

In Italy, a national anti-falsification task force is operating, including the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS).