Increase of 66% in Illegal Medicines in Ireland in 2010

Illegal medicines retained by the Irish Authorities increased by 66% in 2010 according to the Irish Medicines Board (IMB). The Regulatory Body stated that "it is particularly concerned by an almost fivefold increase in the number of illegal weight loss products detected, some of which when tested were found to contain the no longer permitted active substance sibutramine."

Pat O'Mahony, Chief Executive, IMB, stated that "the majority of detections relate to mail order importations of prescription only medicinal products." Those products are usually purchased online, and Pat O'Mahony warns that "there are no guarantees as to the safety, quality or effectiveness of these products."

Counterfeit medicines are an increasing global issue and the internet is making it more difficult for manufacturers, distributors and regulators to reduce the amount of counterfeit medicines in the market place, this making it more difficult to ensure patient safety.

Life Sciences Ireland has been very active in promoting supply chain security for pharmaceutical and medical device products. Over 10 logistics and transport providers have been GDP Passport Certified, thereby reassuring manufacturers that their products will be handled and distributed by staff trained in the highest standards on Good Distribution Practices of pharmaceutical and medical device products.

Further information http://www.imb.ie/EN/News/Irish-Medicines-Board-reports-66-rise-in-illegal-medicines-detained-in-2010.aspx