Bypassing the healthcare system to get hold of medicines?
You could be putting yourself in RealDanger.

The statistics from recent UK surveys show that more and more people are putting themselves in danger from buying fake pills - it is estimated that 50% of medicines purchased over the internet (from illegal sites that conceal their physical address) are counterfeit. People buy medicines in this way because they think they are getting cheaper drugs, faster delivery, a better choice - in fact they're taking a real gamble with their health. Counterfeit medicines can be dangerous. Fake pills could make you very ill.

Proper medical treatment starts with a well-informed medical diagnosis. GPs have the knowledge and experience to look for certain medical conditions when patients present specific symptoms. A GP will take into account the suitability of treatment, your life stage and medical history, before deciding which medicine is best for you.

The Statistics

• More than one in seven British adults surveyed (15%) admitted to bypassing the healthcare system to get hold of prescription-only medicine without a prescription
• 67% of GPs surveyed know of a patient who has bought prescription-only medicine from an illicit source. This could be putting those people's health and potentially lives at risk, as some of the medicines obtained in this way may be counterfeit
• It is estimated that 50% of medicines purchased over the internet (from illegal sites that conceal their physical address) are counterfeit

It's not just drugs for weight loss or erectile dysfunction (ED) that are being faked. Counterfeiters are now targeting lifesaving medicines for conditions such as cancer and heart problems.

This website tells you more about counterfeit medicines: the facts, what to do and how to buy medicines safely. It also shows you what we've been doing to make sure people know the risks. And you can help us by sharing the information on this site with friends and colleagues.

The best way to protect yourself from counterfeit medicines is to only get your medicines from a reliable, regulated source. You should also make sure that you have the right treatment for the right condition by seeking advice from a healthcare professional. Buying prescription-only medicine without having seen a healthcare professional means you may not have a proper diagnosis of your problem.

Find out how to get real advice and guidance online and report concerns about medicine.

For more information speak to your doctor or pharmacist.