Faux Viagra is the UK’s most seized counterfeit drug in response to knowledge obtained via Freedom of Info (FOI) requests.
Seized doses of faux Viagra within the UK from 2023 to mid-2025 extremely exceed these of different counterfeit medication corresponding 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 remedy used to deal with erectile disfunction.
In keeping with the Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA), chargeable 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, stated: “The dangers are important. Faux medication could also be ineffective, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed.
“There must be extra public schooling in regards to the most secure methods to entry respectable therapy.”
Why are folks shopping for faux Viagra?
The largest driver of faux 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 research performed by the Urology Basis in 2022 discovered over half of males keep away from looking for medical help for erectile points as a result of anxiousness or concern of judgement in regards to the subject.
Nevertheless, erectile points are frequent – not less than one in 10 males will undergo with erectile dysfunction of their lifetime.
All the time verify if an internet pharmacy is registered with the Normal Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) – search for a GPhC emblem or registration quantity, or search the pharmacy or pharmacist title utilizing the official GPhC register.
- Supply prescription-only medication with out asking for a prescription or session.
- Don’t have any clear contact info.
- Use unbranded packaging or generic product pictures.
- Supply costs that appear too good to be true.
