Fake Drugs Plague Poor

The Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board also reported there was a growing worldwide demand for cheap or fake drugs sold over the Internet.

The report said painkillers that don't kill pain -- but which could kill the patient -- are flooding into developing nations. In some countries, up to 50 percent of medicines are fakes.

Those pushing the pills may be part of a sophisticated international racket or a simple stall-holder at a village market. Dr Philip Emafo from the Narcotics Control Board said taking fake medicines is risky and, in some cases, fatal.

"People are advised not to buy counterfeit drugs, not to use unlicensed pharmacies because you do not even know what is contained in the counterfeit drug," Emafo said at the launch of the report last week.

Weak regulations and consumer demand

Countries with weak regulations are most vulnerable to the marketing of fake medicines. The control board urged regulators to crack down on illegal pharmacies and the sale of medicines over the Internet.

"Inadequate control regulation and weaknesses in enforcement and the general demand for drugs by consumers, plus ignorance and lack of public awareness are associated with getting drugs from unknown and doubtful sources," said Emafo.

The UN pointed to a growing problem with counterfeit medicines and abuse of prescription medicines in developed countries.

In North America, for instance, the abuse of painkillers, stimulants, tranquilizers and other prescription medications could soon exceed the use of illicit drugs.

Medicinal abuse outstrips illegal drug consumption in Europe

Prescription drug abuse has already outstripped heroin, cocaine and Ecstasy use in Europe, South Asia and Africa. And the demand for some well-known prescription drugs was so high that copies of the brands are traded over the internet.

"Some of the Pfizer products are being counterfeited and you never know the limit to which counterfeiting has taken place because of the improved technology in labeling and packaging," Emafo warned.

The Narcotics Control Board said it was difficult to estimate the extent of counterfeit drug use because few countries were aware of the size of the problem or were tracking the trend. It said nations should share data on counterfeit drug seizures, because, while the fakes may be cheap and potent, they are claiming lives around the world.