Pretend Viagra is the UK’s most seized counterfeit drug in line with knowledge obtained by way of Freedom of Data (FOI) requests.
Seized doses of pretend Viagra within the UK from 2023 to mid-2025 extremely exceed these of different counterfeit medication similar to tramadol, a prescription opioid of which 2.96 million doses have been seized and 1.5 million seized doses of counterfeit Cialis (tadalafil), a prescription medicine used to deal with erectile disfunction.
In line with the Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA), answerable for drugs security within the UK, most non-compliant drug seizures are made on the UK border, with most being imported from India.
What are the dangers of utilizing pretend Viagra?
Kiran Jones, pharmacist at Oxford On-line Pharmacy, stated: “The dangers are vital. Pretend medication could also be ineffective, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.
“There must be extra public training in regards to the most secure methods to entry authentic remedy.”
Why are individuals shopping for pretend Viagra?
The most important driver of pretend Viagra gross sales is embarrassment round erectile dysfunction.
Medication for erectile dysfunction might be bought over-the-counter within the UK, however solely after having a pharmacist session.
A examine carried out by the Urology Basis in 2022 discovered over half of males keep away from searching for medical help for erectile points as a result of anxiousness or concern of judgement in regards to the situation.
Nonetheless, erectile points are widespread – a minimum of one in 10 males will undergo with erectile dysfunction of their lifetime.
At all times examine if an internet pharmacy is registered with the Common Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) – search for a GPhC brand or registration quantity, or search the pharmacy or pharmacist title utilizing the official GPhC register.
- Provide prescription-only drugs with out asking for a prescription or session.
- Don’t have any clear contact info.
- Use unbranded packaging or generic product pictures.
- Provide costs that appear too good to be true.
