State Department issues warning about counterfeit pills sold in Mexican pharmacies

US Department of State issued a warning After reporting, it appeared that fake drugs containing illegal drugs were being sold in pharmacies in Mexico.

The counterfeit drugs were tainted with substances including fentanyl and methamphetamine, the department said. Details of the fake pills were as follows. First reported by the Los Angeles Times.. The Drug Enforcement Administration also reported counterfeit prescriptions sold on both sides of the border, representing OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax and others, the department said.

The department said in its advisory that people should “exercise caution when purchasing drugs,” noting that pharmaceuticals, even those that may require a prescription in the United States, are “often with little regulation.” are readily available for purchase.”

In addition to the risk of contamination, officials said counterfeit drugs “may prove to be ineffective” or have the wrong strength.

“Drugs should be purchased with the advice of a medical professional and from reputable establishments,” the department said, noting that counterfeit drugs are “easily advertised on social media and distributed along and within the Mexican border.” Can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in tourist areas.”

The kidnapping of four Americans in a Mexican border town earlier this month has also highlighted “medical tourism”. Or when people travel to another country to get cheaper medical care or prescriptions. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not track crimes related to medical tourism, it considers the practice “dangerous.”

Oh 2015 study from the US International Trade Commission (USITC) found that nearly a million people from California traveled to Mexico to buy drugs at lower prices.