What is the prevalence of counterfeit drugs in the U.S.?
A. Drug counterfeiting occurs less frequently in the U.S. than in other countries due to the strict regulatory framework that governs the production of drug products and the distribution chain, and enforcement against violators. However, the U.S. has recently experienced two highly publicized examples of counterfeit drugs within the U.S. distribution system: Lipitor tablets, a cholesterol-lowering medication, and Procrit, an injectable drug used to stimulate red blood cell growth. FDA continues to believe, and works to ensure, that the overall quality of drug products that consumers purchase from U.S. pharmacies remains high. The American public can be confident that these medications are safe and effective.
