Pretend Viagra is the UK’s most seized counterfeit drug in response to information obtained via Freedom of Data (FOI) requests.
Seized doses of faux Viagra within the UK from 2023 to mid-2025 extremely exceed these of different counterfeit medicine comparable to tramadol, a prescription opioid of which 2.96 million doses had been seized and 1.5 million seized doses of counterfeit Cialis (tadalafil), a prescription medicine used to deal with erectile disfunction.
In response to the Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA), answerable for medication 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 faux Viagra?
Kiran Jones, pharmacist at Oxford On-line Pharmacy, mentioned: “The dangers are vital. Pretend medicine could also be ineffective, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.
“There must be extra public schooling in regards to the most secure methods to entry reputable therapy.”
Why are individuals shopping for faux Viagra?
The most important driver of faux Viagra gross sales is embarrassment round erectile dysfunction.
Medicine 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 in search of medical help for erectile points as a consequence of nervousness or concern of judgement in regards to the concern.
Nevertheless, erectile points are widespread – at the least one in 10 males will undergo with erectile dysfunction of their lifetime.
At all times test if an internet pharmacy is registered with the Normal Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) – search for a GPhC brand or registration quantity, or search the pharmacy or pharmacist identify utilizing the official GPhC register.
- Supply prescription-only medication with out asking for a prescription or session.
- Don’t have any clear contact data.
- Use unbranded packaging or generic product pictures.
- Supply costs that appear too good to be true.
