Anti-Counterfeiting

The Dangers of Counterfeit Medicines

Counterfeit medicines are a serious public health risk. They are not inspected by regulatory authorities and are often manufactured illegally in unsanitary conditions. Their sources are unknown, and their contents are disreputable. Counterfeit medicines pose a danger to patient safety as they may contain toxic ingredients, such as boric acid, floor polish and leaded road paint. They are never safe to use and can cause harm.

Unfortunately, the counterfeiting business is growing. Global criminal networks produce and distribute counterfeits in all major therapeutic areas, in all major geographies, and in more than 100 countries. Counterfeit medicines sales generated an estimated $200 billion in illicit profits in one year alone (2016).

Lilly’s Anti-Counterfeit Initiatives

Lilly is committed to advancing medical innovation whilst maintaining the best standards of product quality to ensure the safety of patients.

Lilly aims to take all necessary actions to safeguard public health. We have an internal Global Anti-Counterfeiting Team who investigate suspected counterfeit Lilly products. Procedures are in place to identify manufacturing and distribution trends to deter illegal activity.

No single entity can stop counterfeiting. That's why Lilly is partnering with global government regulatory and law enforcement agencies, along with other pharmaceutical companies, to deliver a global anti-counterfeiting strategy that ensures patient safety. Meanwhile, we continue to support international educational efforts by joining forces with non-governmental organisations such as the World Health Organisation, World Health Professionals Association and World Customs Organisation, to warn patients and healthcare professionals about the dangers of buying medicines from non-traditional outlets.