Counterfeiting specter looms.(Focus)

SAN DIEGO -- Drugs that many Americans are seeking from abroad may come through Canada, but they will not necessarily come from that country. The expanding trend of counterfeiting shows a well-organized black market that is prepared to take advantage of the drug supply chain of the United States. And the Food and Drug Administration lacks the resources--and often the legal authority--to assure the safety of unapproved drugs that move back into the U.S.

The three foregoing points were among major discussion elements that emerged from an educational workshop on the illegal importation of prescription drugs. The session, presented at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Pharmacy & Technology Conference, was led by Jeffrey May, vice president of professional affairs at Shoppers Drug Mart; Mark Polli, director of pharmacy professional services for Hannaford Bros.; and Marv Shepherd, director of the center for pharmacoeconomic studies at the University of Texas (UT).

"Although importation of medicines has gained national attention only in recent months, bringing prescription drugs into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico has been occurring for decades--if not centuries," claimed Shepherd, who is also chairman of pharmacy administration at UT's Austin college of pharmacy.

"The problem has many fronts: political, financial, economic, international trade, health and social. It is a very difficult issue," he conceded.

Resolving the problem "will take understanding and cooperation from government agencies, law enforcement agencies, private and public organizations, consumer groups and associations," Shepherd said. "Plus, it will require funding."

Shepherd told the gathering that over 1,000 Internet pharmacy sites are offering an extensive variety of drugs--often without requiring a prescription.

"Many of these sites are rogue, fraudulent sites: They pop up one day and disappear the next," he explained. "It is difficult to find their geographic locations.