The counterfeit pharmaceutical industry, valued at around $200 billion worldwide, includes dangerous fake drugs like Viagra, posing significant health risks. Counterfeit Viagra often contains harmful substances, highlighting the importance of purchasing medications from reputable sources to ensure safety. People take counterfeit medicine for various reasons, including price as well as the stigma around conditions like erectile dysfunction. Many people do not sex with tablet realize that they can purchase affordable generic options at pharmacies, which are safe and legal.
| Country | Legal Status | Purchase Restrictions | Age Limit | Online Purchase Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Illegal without prescription | Prescription required | 18+ | No |
| United Kingdom | Controlled substance | Restricted to pharmacies | 18+ | Yes |
| Canada | Prescription-only | Only through licensed pharmacies | 19+ | Limited online options |
| Australia | Illegal without medical prescription | Prescription required | 18+ | No |
| Germany | Prescription enforced | Pharmacies only | 18+ | Yes |
To avoid counterfeit Viagra, it’s crucial to obtain prescriptions from licensed pharmacies in the U.S. and verify online pharmacies through the VIPPS seal. The counterfeit drugs are a dangerous and booming market in both developing and developed countries. Worldwide, the counterfeit pharmaceutical industry is valued at around $200 billion (USD), making it the most profitable counterfeit goods industry in the world.
What are counterfeit drugs, and are they harmful?
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 36(5), 849–859. The effect of Emblica officinalis diet on lifespan, sexual behavior, and fitness characters in Drosophila melanogaster. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 43(3), 223–225. Physical Activity to Improve Erectile Function: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.
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Lifestyle modifications and erectile dysfunction: what can be expected? Penile traction therapy and Peyronie’s disease: a state of art review of the current literature. Therapeutic Advances in Urology, 5(1), 59-65. The effect of (L-)carnitine on weight loss in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Modulation of American ginseng on brainstem GABAergic effects in rats.
Can I buy the generic Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate over the counter?
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 62(3), 215–222. Ginsenoside Rg1 improves male copulatory behavior via nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(2 Pt 1), 743–750. Effects of Panax ginseng on glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression and spermatogenesis in rats. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 25(2), 308–311. It’s not just an overseas problem; the combination of expensive co-pays and online pharmacies are making counterfeit drugs a frightening reality for many Americans. In April 2019, thousands of fake Viagra and Cialis pills, and sexual enhancement drugs, were seized at Greater Rochester International Airport. The illicit drugs were valued at over $60,000, and every single drug was a counterfeit posing as the real deal. Counterfeit drugs are drugs that are not legal, and have either been intentionally falsified to represent a drug on the market, or have not met quality standards of specifications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Substandard and falsified medical products may cause harm to patients and fail to treat the diseases for which they were intended.” The ingredients contained in counterfeit medicines are alarming, to put it lightly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes counterfeit drugs seriously, and works with other agencies and the private sector to keep Americans safe from the dangers associated with illegal counterfeit drugs. According to Muhammed Zaman, author of Bitter Pills: The Global War on Counterfeit Drugs, Viagra is one of the most counterfeited drugs in the world. The drug sildenafil citrate, known by its brand name Viagra, was approved by the FDA in 1998 as the first oral treatment approved for erectile dysfunction. Nearly two decades later it remains one of the most popular drugs for treating ED, which is why so many fakes persist. Pfizer, the company that produces Viagra, conducted an investigation in 2011 on ingredients contained in counterfeit Viagra.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cialis Generic | 10mg | 60 + 6 Pills | 105.81€ 100.77€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 60mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 714.53€ 680.50€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 40mg | 60 + 6 Pills | 130.98€ 124.74€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 40mg | 180 + 4 Pills | 618.23€ 588.79€ | |
| Cialis Super Active | 20mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 661.49€ 629.99€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Cialis Soft Tabs | 20mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 216.71€ 206.39€ | |
| Levitra Generic | 10mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 338.09€ 321.99€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 86.02€ 81.92€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 205.81€ 196.01€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 5mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 268.08€ 255.31€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 20 Pills | 45.58€ 43.41€ | |
| Cialis Professional | 20mg | 10 Pills | 48.29€ 45.99€ | |
| Cialis Generic | 60mg | 20 Pills | 65.61€ 62.49€ |
The study involved Pfizer Global Security searching online for “Viagra,” using two popular search engines, and then ordering pills from the top 22 sites. Pfizer then tested the chemical composition of the Viagra pills. In addition to pills that contained too much of the active ingredient or not enough, they discovered ingredients such as blue printer ink, amphetamines (like speed), Metronidazole (a strong antibiotic commonly used to treat vaginal infections), or drywall as a binding agent. There are many reasons why people take counterfeit medicine, both intentionally and unintentionally.
5. Yohimbine
Niacin in the Central Nervous System: An Update of Biological Aspects and Clinical Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 20(4). Structure/function analyses of human sex hormone-binding globulin: effects of zinc on steroid-binding specificity. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 85(2-5):195-200. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement.
Serious side effects
Efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study. International Journal of Impotence Research, 19(6), 564–567. Role of homocysteine in the development of cardiovascular disease. The science of vacuum erectile device in penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy. Translational Andrology and Urology, 2(1), 61-66. Kristina Acri (Ph.D), an economist with Colorado College, who has been studying counterfeit drugs for two decades, said in an interview with NPR in 2017, “I think there are conditions—weight loss, erectile dysfunction, addiction—for which there’s a stigma attached to them. Patients may be too ashamed to see a physician… and that opens the door to counterfeiters.” Sexual enhancement drugs are some of the most common counterfeit drugs in the world. And with erectile dysfunction treated like a pop culture reference instead of a real medical condition—which it is—it’s understandable that men would look for alternative outlets for obtaining medication. And they’re finding them, but at a dangerous cost. For many years there was a high cost to purchasing Viagra. However when Pfizer released a generic in 2017, the financial burden was lessened. You can currently get 30 tablets of the generic at 50 mg for about $20-$25.
| Storage Condition | Temperature Range | Light Sensitivity | Humidity Control | Shelf Life | Storage Location Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool, Dry Place | 15°C - 25°C | Protect from light | Low humidity | 2-3 years | Keep in original packaging |
| Avoid Moisture | Room temperature | No direct sunlight | Humid environments harmful | Check expiry regularly | Store out of reach of children |
| Refrigeration | Not necessary | N/A | N/A | Follow manufacturer instructions | Use airtight containers if needed |
However, there may still be an assumption that the high cost prohibits some patients from taking real Viagra and other sexual enhancement drugs. Due to more affordable generic options, there really is no need to take the chance with counterfeits. Regardless of the rising popularity in counterfeit drugs, the dangers associated with taking illegal and unregulated substances from the black market are high. “Counterfeit drugs are fraudulent and illegal,” says Dr. Laura Balsamini, Pharm.D., the national vice president of pharmacy services at Summit Medical Group.
What is the impact of ED on men?
Iron and Physical Activity: Bioavailability Enhancers, Properties of Black Pepper (Bioperine®) and Potential Applications. Effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on blood pressure. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(12). Ashwagandha as a Unique Cause of Thyrotoxicosis Presenting With Supraventricular Tachycardia. Examining the Effects of Herbs on Testosterone Concentrations in Men: A Systematic Review.
Should I buy Sildenafil or Generic Viagra Online?
Advances in Nutrition, 12(3), 744-765. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Physiology of Penile Erection. Association between homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid and erectile dysfunction: a cross-sectional study in China. MacKay D., Verma S., & Srivastava S. (2022) Effect of a Polyherbal Dietary Supplement on Semen Characteristics: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
When is the best time to take Viagra?
Improving BPH symptoms and sexual dysfunctions with a saw palmetto preparation? A Clinical Study Report VigRx Plus in Male Sexual Health. Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Sperm Parameters with a Focus on DNA Fragmentation: A Literature Synthesis. Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats. “They may contain no active ingredient, the wrong ingredients, ingredients in higher or lower quantities than labeled, or toxins, and may be manufactured in inferior conditions. These drugs are unregulated, lack evidence of safety or efficacy, and use may lead to harmful outcomes.” In a 2017 study published in the Translational Andrology and Urology journal, a group of researchers looked at the dangers of counterfeit pills for sexual enhancement and counterfeit drugs that treat erectile dysfunction. The study notes that as the population ages, the popularity of these types of drugs has increased, as has counterfeiting of these drugs. According to the research, many users don’t even know they’re taking fake drugs, and unknowingly put themselves in dangerous situations. The dangers and risks associated with taking counterfeit drugs are complex.
- Confirm if blue pills interact with foods or supplements.
- Learn emergency measures in case of overdose or severe reaction.
- Prefer pharmacies that offer consultation with pharmacists.
- Avoid bulk purchases without a doctor’s approval.
- Track dosage progress when using blue pills long-term.
- Understand legal implications of importing medicines across borders.
- Maintain records of purchase for health insurance claims.
Because the drugs are unregulated and created using unsafe practices, there’s no way of knowing what each pill contains.
Treating ED Without Medications
Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.), 12(5), 344–348. Sperm quality in men is improved by supplementation with a combination of L-arginine, L-citrullin, roburins and Pycnogenol®. The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(2), 223–234. Additionally, patients who bypass the medical system aren’t screened for potential side effects, drug interactions, and other conditions that can be related to erectile dysfunction. Viagra is a prescription drug that is not sold over-the-counter in the U.S. To avoid accidentally taking counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Dr. Balsamini says it’s imperative to get your prescription filled from a licensed pharmacy in the U.S.
- Confirm the medication's storage requirements to maintain potency
- Look for pharmacies with high ratings on the Better Business Bureau
- Check if the drug has any known issues with counterfeit production
- Understand the legal requirements for prescribing and dispensing
- Consider the availability of the medication in case of shortages
- Be wary of websites that offer to prescribe without a consultation
- Keep your medication in its original container with the label
- Schedule regular blood tests or monitoring as recommended by your doctor
“To avoid accidentally purchasing counterfeit drugs, it is important to avoid purchasing medications from other countries,” she says.