U.S. Warns of Global Risks from Illegal Online Pharmacies

A new report reveals nearly all online pharmacies operate unlawfully, posing dangers to consumers with counterfeit or unsafe medications.

The U.S. Trade Representative's annual 'Notorious Markets' report found 96% of the world’s 35,000 online pharmacies are operating illegally.
These pharmacies often sell counterfeit drugs without prescriptions or safety warnings, with websites mimicking legitimate platforms and falsely claiming FDA approval.
A survey revealed nearly one in four Americans using online pharmacies encountered substandard or harmful medicines, highlighting significant public health risks.
The report identified 19 countries and dozens of online markets, primarily in Asia, linked to counterfeit drug production and distribution, including synthetic opioids.
Authorities noted progress in combating piracy and counterfeit goods globally, citing successful crackdowns in Vietnam, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.