Medicine spam campaign partners

Who is behind this initiative?

Led by Pfizer, one of the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies, this campaign has gained the support of the UK's medicines watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and patient representatives. Between them they hope to make people more aware of the dangers of counterfeit medicine.

The range of organisations involved, from patient groups to government, shows how important it is for us all to work together against the dangers of counterfeit medicines. Some are raising awareness; some are working with police and authorities to crack the criminal rings responsible; some are monitoring goods transported into the UK; some are in labs doing forensic analysis to find out just what's in the fakes; some are trying to strengthen legislation to make it more difficult for the criminals; some are making medicine packaging more difficult to copy. Working together, we can make sure that patients get appropriate treatments - make sure that you have a prescription, and make sure you get your medicines from a legitimate source.

Pfizer
www.pfizer.co.uk

“We are delighted to be working once more in collaboration with leading patient organisations, the MHRA and the RPS to get the UK public to think twice about bypassing the healthcare system and exposing themselves to the threats posed by medicine spam. This current campaign is designed to encourage discussion around this important issue, and forms part of a wider public education campaign launched by Pfizer two years ago to ensure people understand the risks they are taking when bypassing the healthcare system and purchasing medicines from illicit sources.”

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
www.mhra.gov.uk

“Today's culture of 'self-diagnosis' and 'self-medication' has created a society that purchase medicines online, without a prescription. There is a very real danger of obtaining dangerous medicines when someone purchases prescription only medicines, without a prescription, over the internet - these could turn out to be counterfeit, unapproved or contain undeclared ingredients that may interact with other ailments or medication. People underestimate the serious risks associated with this behaviour. If a medicine requires a prescription, it is for a good reason. The people behind these illicit websites are criminals that have no healthcare qualifications, and are purely in the business of profiteering at the expense of people's health. The MHRA's mission is to enhance and safeguard the health of the public and this is why it is supporting the spam donors campaign. If someone feels their medicine might be fake, that is if it looks, feels or smells different, then we strongly encourage them to report it to us via the dedicated 24-hour anti-counterfeiting hotline on 0203 080 6701, or by email to counterfeit@mhra.gsi.gov.uk.”

The Patients Association
www.patients-association.org.uk

“SPAM emails advertising medicines are a dangerous and irresponsible way to target vulnerable patients. Not only are patients in danger of taking fake medicines that may not help them with their illness or condition but these medicines may have disastrous consequences and cause severe harm to patients. The Patients Association has long campaigned for better and more accessible health services for patients, but unsolicited emails, that try and sell vulnerable patients fake medicines, are not the answer. By buying medicines online patients not only expose themselves to dangerous medicines but they also miss out on all the wider advantages of getting medicine from a healthcare professional. By obtaining medicine from healthcare professionals, a patient can have peace of mind that what they are being prescribed is exactly what it says on the label. Also, patients can speak to their healthcare professional and get advice on side effects and how best to take the medicine and ensure they get the right type of medicine that fits in with their lifestyle and their needs. By going to see a healthcare professional, patients also have the opportunity to have a mini 'health check' and talk about other medical concerns that they may have - for example, a patient may be reminded to have a cholesterol test or for older women to go and get screened for breast cancer. SPAM medicines are never the answer - they are dangerous and are never an alternative to seeing your healthcare professional.”

HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity
www.heartuk.org.uk

“It's frightening to learn that people would be happy to consider bypassing the healthcare system to get hold of life saving or even lifestyle medicine. We're pleased to support a campaign that raises the profile of the dangers posed when bypassing the healthcare system and potentially engaging with the counterfeit medicines trade. It is terrifying to imagine the unthinkable damage that spammers could be causing to patients if we don't stop them.”

Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS)
www.rpharms.com

“Our mission is to make the UK the safest place to take medicines. Pharmacists are very concerned about the increase in fake or counterfeit medicines. As expert professionals in medicines and medicines use, we know how important it is to stay safe by ensuring that you always get your prescriptions dispensed at a registered UK pharmacy. Fake medicines don't work or may be contaminated which means at best conditions may go untreated or at worst you could be causing yourself serious harm. If you want to buy medicines on line, always check that you are dealing with a genuine pharmacy. Don't go on face value - some of the illegal sites look very professional but supply dangerous fakes. Check the General Pharmaceutical Council website which links to legitimate sites so that you can be sure that you are dealing with a UK registered pharmacy supplying genuine medicines.”

Men's Health Forum
www.menshealthforum.org.uk

“Whilst the Men's Health Forum strongly believes that new technologies can help to improve men's health, we also think it is important to highlight the risks that can be posed, for example by illegitimate online pharmacies selling unapproved or counterfeit medicines. Because men often under-use GP and other services, and may be particularly tempted to buy drugs online without a prescription, the MHF is urging them to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified health professional and not to take the risk of buying dodgy drugs from dodgy websites. That's why we're supporting this campaign.”