Pharmacists given new guidance on counterfeit medicines

Pharmacists have been asked to keep an eye out for suspected counterfeit medicines as part of a new awareness-raising initiative.

Pharmacists' body the RPSGB, and UK medicines' regulator the MHRA, have teamed up to produce new guidance explaining the causes and consequences of counterfeit medicines in an effort to prevent them getting into the supply chain.

Pharmacists will be given practical advice on detecting and reporting suspected counterfeit medicines, which are often produced by criminal gangs, and can pose a serious risk to patients.

David Pruce, director of practice and quality at the RPSGB said: "Counterfeit medicines can be extremely dangerous. They may contain little or no active medicine, a totally different medicine or a toxic chemical."

Mick Deats, head of enforcement and intelligence at the MHRA said: "Together we can ensure that public health is safeguarded and legitimate medicinal supply chains are protected."