Billions spent on counterfeit treatments for impotence

According to a number of recent reports, Western Europe as a collective spends up to 10.5 billion euros (9.1 billion pounds) on counterfeit impotence treatments on a yearly basis. The findings are somewhat unsurprising given the fact that 40% of the male population is thought to suffer with impotence at one stage in their lives. This coupled with the fact that we are still yet to come out of an economic downturn is surely a contributory to a growing problem.

The temptation of cheaper, generic forms of popular erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra and Cialis is often all too great and according to a collation of figures, Germany and Italy spend a greater amount on unauthorised prescription impotence medications than any other country.

It is believed that the most common means of purchasing fake impotence drugs are the internet, nightclubs and friends.

Pressing problem

Impotence is often linked with the current economic crisis, with more and more men facing financial worries and a lack of job security. This coupled with the temptation to buy cheap drugs will often mean that the desperation to treat the condition overrides the decision to find credible sources who rely on licensed suppliers.

The dangers of counterfeit impotence treatments are very real. They often comprise of inadequate and often toxic ingredients and the World Health organisation fears that the issue will worsen if people aren’t given better education about the importance of legitimate drugs.

Markets affected

Global manufacturers such as the industry leader, Pfizer have long been affected by a growing market of illegal generic treatments. As a result, a number of large organisations are pushing for greater awareness concerning the issue, to protect their own brands.

Europe reacts

The European commissioner, Guenter Verheugen gave a statement in December, explaining he was ‘extremely worried’ about counterfeit impotence drugs after a staggering 34 million tablets were seized at a variety of EU custom points in just 2 months.

Jim Thompson, chair of the European Alliance for Access to safe Medicines, claims that 62% of drugs bought online are counterfeit. In addition to this, stats show that 21% of 14,000 people, who were quizzed in 14 states in the US, claimed that they had purchased medications illicitly.

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