Fake Sildenafil: Raising the Flag

Those who buy erectile dysfunction drugs (or any other drugs, for that matter) over the internet need to read this Pfizer-sponsored research. If your attitude is "It's worth a try - what harm can it do?" the answer is plenty.

The research details how many counterfeits are out there and just how substandard almost all of them are. Only around 10% of all sampes tested were within 10% of the stated dosage strength for the active ingredient sildenafil. About 25% had no sildenafil at all. Remember, these are counterfeits labelled as genuine Viagra(R), not herbal remedies sold as cheaper alternatives.

Talcum powder, commercial-grade paints, paracetamol (acetaminophen) and metronidazole, an antiprotozoal/anti-infective, have been found in counterfeit Viagra(R), as well as large quantities of other unidentified impurities . Metronidazole has significant adverse effects when combined with alcohol, whereas overdose of paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver damage. Printer ink has been found in some samples - it is used to colour the tablets their distinctive blue.

The low quality of counterfeit products is not surprising - that's one of the reasons why they are so profitable for criminals - but this report puts alarming numbers on the problem.  Even allowing for potential conflicts of interest, since this report is from Pfizer, it should act as a further red flag to those who buy their medicines from internet.