The counterfeit drugs trade has grown, as more people turn to the internet for treatment – especially for erectile dysfunction (ED). Last year, Interpol said counterfeit medication for ED continues to be the most seized drug globally.
Counterfeit drugs are at best inactive and at worst life-threatening. Tests have found them to contain inconsistent doses of active ingredients, as well as contaminants and potentially hazardous ingredients.
But there are ways you can make sure the drugs you’re taking are legitimate. Here are two golden rules for buying medication online:
1. Only Buy From a Registered Online Pharmacy
All legitimate online pharmacies should clearly display their official status and the relevant bodies that regulate them.
For UK-based online pharmacies, this includes a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) green cross and registration number. Medication should be MHRA-regulated and doctors should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
And if a pharmacy is a member of Numark, it shows they are committed to quality and excellence.
If you’re buying from a pharmacy abroad, check how it meets the pharmacy regulations within its own country and what these regulations mean.
2. Check Your Medications When You Receive Them
When you receive your medications, first check the expiry date. This should be displayed on the box and the blister pack or bottle.
Next, check that the printing on the box is clear and that the manufacturer logos are identified on the box and on internal packaging.
You should then check the colour and shape of your pills, making sure they have the correct markings on. These aspects may vary for generic versions, but an online search should be able to help you identify the specific pill.
Here are the identifying features of some of the most popular branded ED medications: Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Spedra:
What Legitimate Branded Medication Looks Like
Viagra
Viagra is a blue, rounded diamond-shaped tablet. One side is marked “PFIZER”, and the other side is marked “V” followed by a number that reflects the dosage. For example, a 50mg tablet will have “V50” on one side. The tablets measure 11.2mm x 8.1 mm.
Cialis
Cialis is a yellow-orange teardrop-shaped tablet. One side is marked with a distinctive “C”. On some fake pills, this letter may be absent or in a different font. So check carefully.
The “C” is followed by a number indicating the dosage. So a 20mg dosage will have “C 20” on one side and a 2.5mg dosage will have “C 2 1/2”. The edges of the pill should be smooth and rounded with a sharp line. The size of Cialis pills varies by dosage.
Levitra
Levitra is an orange circular pill. The Bayer logo (a cross made of a vertical “BAYER” and a horizontal “BAYER” intersecting each other) is embossed on one side. The other side is marked with a large number indicating the dosage, e.g. 2.5 or 10.
Spedra
Spedra is still within its patent, with only Menarini being able to manufacture it. So there’s no generic version of Spedra (Avanafil) on the market. Anything that claims to be Avanafil is fake.
Spedra pills are oval in shape and a pale yellow-orange colour. One side of the pill is embossed with a number relating to the dosage. So a 50mg dosage will have 50 on one side. The other side is blank.
Is Simple Online Pharmacy Legitimate?
Yes, we only source genuine medicine from British pharmaceutical suppliers regulated by the MHRA. So you know you’re getting the exact same medication as you would if you walked into any NHS pharmacy in the UK.
Our GPhC registration number is 1102064. We only use GMC registered doctors and we are members of Numark.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on March 18, 2018. It has been updated for accuracy, readability and comprehensiveness.
