1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Drugs

Counterfeit Drug

From , former About.com Guide

Updated: August 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Products that are produced using ingredients that may be inactive, incorrect, or harmful.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Counterfeit drugs are packaged and labeled to look like real brand-name and generic drugs to deceive consumers into thinking that they are buying real drugs. Counterfeit drugs are unsafe because they may contain inactive ingredients that are not effective or toxic ingredients that are harmful to your health.”

Counterfeit medications are often obtained from fraudulent online pharmacies.

Also Known As: false drugs

More Information from Dr. Mike

Explore Drugs
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Drugs
  4. Medication Glossary
  5. C - Drug and Medical Terms
  6. Counterfeit Drug

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.