Counterfeit & Fake Medicines

Almost since there were HIV/AIDS treatments, unlicensed distributors have been selling dangerous black market medications to American pharmacies, unscrupulous secondary wholesale distributors, and patients. Counterfeit drug rings peddling fraudulent HIV drugs, cancer treatments, and weight loss GLP-1 medications are increasingly coming to light.

The United States boasts one of the safest drug supplies worldwide. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) along with state licensing authorities oversee and enforce accountability across the entire American pharmaceutical supply chain. In contrast, entities that distribute drugs without FDA approval operate outside regulatory oversight and are not held responsible by the FDA, licensing boards, or any other authority. Counterfeiters often substitute inexpensive ingredients, provide medications in unfamiliar doses, and omit critical instructions and safety warnings. Their products may contain harmful chemicals or contaminants, or sometimes lack active ingredients altogether. These illicit marketers craft convincing websites to lure consumers, but the medicines they sell can be expired, contaminated, diluted, or damaged during transit. Patients purchasing these drugs face the risk of consuming substandard medicines, which can lead to increased viral loads, deteriorating health, and the development of drug resistance—even when patients are diligent with their medication regimens.

These aren't hypothetical risks.