Mexico Confronts Surge in Counterfeit Drug Trade

Illegal online pharmacies and organized crime are driving a surge in counterfeit medicines in Mexico and major markets, targeting life-saving treatments for cancer and chronic diseases. The WHO links fake drugs to over 700,000 deaths annually, with Mexico ranking sixth globally, with 60% of medicines sold reported as stolen or falsified. Authorities warn of rising economic losses and urge stronger oversight, public awareness and supply chain controls.

The expansion of illegal online pharmacies and the growing sophistication of criminal networks are driving a sustained increase in counterfeit and diverted medicines in Mexico and other major markets, raising concerns among regulators, manufacturers and healthcare providers.

Although some pharmaceutical companies have implemented serialization processes in certain countries, recent data show that falsified and diverted products continue to rise. The acceleration of e-commerce during the COVID-19 crisis further intensified the problem, as more patients turned to online purchases for treatments.

Counterfeit drugs have become a persistent global challenge. Authorities report significant activity through illegal internet pharmacies in Mexico, the United States and the European Union. Criminal groups have shifted their focus from high-value lifestyle products, such as Viagra, to life-saving medicines, explains Gary Pond, Global Product Authentication Lead, Colorcon to MBN.  Cancer, heart disease and diabetes treatments are increasingly targeted, as patients seek lower-cost options online for products that are often expensive in regulated channels.

“When a patient with cancer receives a counterfeit medicine, we are talking about consequences that go far beyond commercial considerations,” says Oswaldo Bernal, Country Manager, Bristol Myers Squibb Mexico to MBN. 

In addition, the popularity and scarcity of certain medications have also been exploited. For example, counterfeit Ozempic pens, mislabeled with legitimate lot numbers, are being spread globally, which has led to hospitalizations and serious health risks. With fake versions found in over 10 countries, the crisis underscores the urgent need for stronger international action against counterfeit medicines, as reported by Reuters.

Between 2015 and 2019, the counterfeit medicines market grew by more than 70%, reports MBN. According to Pond, more than 600 illegal online pharmacies enter the market each month. “This is a low-risk, high reward activity, with very low penalties and with free access to high-technology to carry it out,” says Pond.

As of 2021, Mexico ranked sixth among the top 10 markets for illegal medicines. The Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries reports that about 60% of medicines sold in the country are stolen, expired or falsified. In informal markets, six out of 10 products offered are irregular, putting nearly 8 million people at risk.

The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) warns that irregular medicines, including falsified, unregistered, fractioned, expired, adulterated or products intended exclusively for the public sector, pose health risks. These products may contain contaminated or toxic substances, incorrect doses or no active ingredient at all. The World Health Organization defines falsified medicines as products that deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition or source.

The health consequences can include treatment failure, worsening disease and severe adverse effects. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 700,000 deaths occur annually worldwide due to the consumption of falsified medicines. In 2023, the agency detected 6,900 incidents of medicine falsification. It also estimates that one in 10 medicines circulating in low- and middle-income countries fails quality control tests, indicating that the product may be substandard or falsified.

“We must raise public awareness about the risks and show, through studies, what we have found in this type of medicine: they do not contain the required amount of the active ingredient, nor do they follow the proper release and dissolution processes needed to achieve a therapeutic effect. Based on these characteristics, we consider them to be low-quality medicines that may cause additional health problems,” says Sandra García, Head of the Laboratory of Biopharmacy, National School of Biological Sciences.

Economic losses are also significant. Billions of dollars are lost each year due to ineffective treatments, additional healthcare costs and reduced productivity. In Mexico, projections from the Biofarmacia Laboratory at the National School of Biological Sciences indicate that the illegal drug market surpassed MX$32 billion (US$1.86 billion)  by the end of 2023, representing a 78% increase compared to 2019.

COFEPRIS recommends that consumers avoid purchasing medicines from informal establishments, social media platforms, chat groups and unauthorized websites. Distributors and pharmacies are urged to verify their inventories and report suspicious products to regulators. If irregular medicines are identified, commercialization should be halted and the case reported through official channels.

To confirm the authenticity of a medicine, it is important to review both the external and internal packaging to ensure they are in good condition, properly sealed and free of spelling or grammatical errors, explains MSD. Manufacturing and expiration dates should be clearly legible, and the information on the box must match the product inside. If familiar with the medication, be alert to any changes in color, smell or appearance compared to previous purchases. If any aspect of the product raises concerns, consult a physician, pharmacist or the manufacturing laboratory, preferably before using it and also afterward if you suspect the medicine has not produced the expected effect.

“The Ministry of Health and COFEPRIS are taking steps, but there is still a long way to go. The real impact is on patients, not on sales,” adds Bernal.