Maria F. Mendoza - Guerra ~ WNPH

What’s New in Public Health

September 30, 2024 Announcement

• U.S. Department of Justice announced indictments against individuals running illegal online pharmacies.

• CDC issued a statement cautioning healthcare professionals and the public about unlicensed online pharmacies.

Discovered Activities

• A global network of online pharmacies and pill mills targeting Americans.

• Victims believed they were purchasing legitimate prescription drugs but ended up with counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and methamphetamines.

• Aim of the online pharmacy was profit-driven, exacerbating drug addiction.

• Nine fatalities reported due to narcotic poisoning linked to these activities.

Background Information

• Many individuals opt for online prescriptions due to lower costs.

• On September 30, 2024, charges were filed against eighteen individuals for "narcotics trafficking resulting in death."

• Key figures like Francisco Alberto Lopez Reyes led a global operation involving the U.S., the Dominican Republic, and India.

• The group manufactured and distributed counterfeit pills containing lethal drugs designed to mimic legitimate medications.

Impact on Public Health

• Nine lives lost due to narcotics poisoning.

• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NAPB) reported:

  • Over 40,000 online pharmacies do not meet safety standards.

  • 95% of these operate illegally.

• 96% of online pharmacies do not require valid prescriptions, placing 24% of Americans at risk of harmful medications.

• Fentanyl is noted to be 50-100 times stronger than morphine, significantly increasing overdose risks.

Implemented Public Health Interventions

• Consumer Awareness: CDC informing the public about risks of illegal online pharmacies, targeting health professionals to educate patients.

• BeSafeRX Campaign: FDA initiative to help individuals purchase medication safely online.

• Naloxone Availability: CDC promotes having naloxone, an opioid-reversal drug, accessible to individuals.

Potential Impactful Interventions

• Prescription Coverage: Increase coverage in health insurance to reduce the reliance on counterfeit sources for individuals unable to afford legitimate medications.

• Public Service Announcement: Create awareness campaigns to educate the public on identifying illegal online pharmacies and counterfeit medications.

• Naloxone Distribution and Training: Expand access to naloxone to help in reducing overdose deaths.

Sources

• CDC Newsroom: Potential public health risk among individuals ordering counterfeit prescription medications from online pharmacies.

• U.S. Department of Justice: Announcement of charges against individuals in scheme to manufacture and distribute counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

• Verified & Approved: Guideline for finding safe online pharmacies.