The Rise of Illicit Medications in Our Communities

THE HEALTH EVANGELIST: EMPOWERING HEALTH AND BRIDGING GAPS

Volume 1, Issue 2

Recap from the Previous Issue

In our last newsletter, we explored the alarming trend of medication misuse in our communities. We discussed how healthcare workers often overprescribe medications, how individuals consume these drugs without proper prescriptions, and the challenges of weakened healthcare systems that fail to enforce necessary regulations. This widespread misuse has created a dangerous environment where medications are not used safely or effectively.

What Causes the Increased Circulation of Fake Medications?

As the demand for medications grows to meet increasing healthcare needs, a darker issue has emerged—the rise of illicit and counterfeit drugs within our communities. These fake medications are not only ineffective but often dangerous, posing serious health risks. Several factors contribute to this crisis:

• Corruption: Corrupt practices within the pharmaceutical supply chain allow counterfeit drugs to enter the market.
• Weak Policies: Inadequate regulations and enforcement make it easier for fake drugs to proliferate.
• Poverty: Financial hardships force individuals to seek cheaper alternatives, often falling victim to counterfeit medications.
• Survival Needs: In areas with limited access to legitimate healthcare, people turn to any available options, including fake drugs.

The Hidden Dangers of Fake Drugs

Counterfeit medications can contain a variety of harmful substances, including:

• Toxic Chemicals: Substances like antifreeze, heavy metals, and other industrial chemicals can be found in fake drugs.
• Incorrect Dosages: Fake medications may have incorrect amounts of active ingredients, leading to underdosing or overdosing.
• Contaminants: Lack of proper manufacturing controls means fake drugs can be contaminated with bacteria and other harmful pathogens.

These harmful compounds can wreak havoc on the body's organs, particularly the kidneys and liver, which are responsible for filtering and excreting harmful substances. While hypertension and diabetes are the main causes of kidney disease, the ingestion of toxic counterfeit drugs significantly exacerbates the risk of organ damage.

The Importance of Tackling Fake Medications

Addressing the issue of counterfeit medications is crucial for several reasons:

• Health Risks: Fake medications often contain harmful substances that can cause severe health problems, including organ damage and death.
• Erosion of Trust: The prevalence of fake medications undermines trust in healthcare systems and providers.
• Economic Impact: Counterfeit drugs contribute to the financial strain on already burdened healthcare systems.

The Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected by the rise of counterfeit medications. Weak healthcare systems, widespread poverty, corruption, poor quality control, and limited access to quality healthcare make this region especially vulnerable. The rise in kidney disease in Africa is alarming, with studies indicating a significant increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases over the past decade.

• Statistics to Highlight the Issue: According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, kidney disease was the 12th leading cause of death worldwide in 2017, up from 17th in 1990. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to be between 10-15% of the population.
• Studies have shown that up to 40% of drugs in some African countries are counterfeit. For example, in Nigeria, a study initially reported that up to 70% of drugs in circulation were fake. However, this claim was later refuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which stated that the actual rate was closer to 15% based on more recent studies. This claim has been cited in various articles and interviews, highlighting the need for accurate data in addressing the counterfeit drug crisis .

Case Study: The Rise of Weight Loss Medications and the Surge in Fake Ozempic.

The growing popularity of weight loss medications like Ozempic has led to an increase in demand, which, unfortunately, has been met with a rise in counterfeit versions of these drugs. Ozempic, originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its off-label use in weight management. This demand has fueled a black market for fake versions, which are often ineffective and potentially dangerous.

• Recent Incidents:
• Health Risks:

Proposed Solutions

Addressing the issue of counterfeit medications requires a multifaceted approach:

• Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Implement and enforce stricter regulations to control the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Increase Public Awareness: Educate communities about the dangers of fake drugs and how to identify legitimate medications.
• Improve Access to Quality Healthcare: Ensure that people have access to affordable and reliable healthcare services.
• Enhance Surveillance and Monitoring: Develop better systems for tracking and monitoring the distribution of medications.
• Encourage International Cooperation: Work with global organizations to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs.

By addressing these key areas, we can reduce the prevalence of fake drugs and improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.

Thank you. In our next issue, we will look at the burden of kidney disease within our communities.

References

1. GBD 2017 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators. "Global, regional, and national age-sex-specific mortality for 282 causes of death in 195 countries and territories, 1980–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017." The Lancet, 2018.
2. Stanifer, John W., et al. "Chronic kidney disease in low-income to middle-income countries: the case for increased screening." BMJ Global Health, 2016.
3. Akunyili, Dora. "Counterfeit and Substandard Drugs in Nigeria and Efforts to Address the Challenge." National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), 2006. Link.
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "FDA alerts health care professionals of potential risks associated with the use of unauthorized versions of semaglutide." FDA News Release, June 2023.
5. World Health Organization (WHO). "A study on counterfeit medicines in Africa." WHO Reports, 2019. Link.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s work together to create healthier communities.