Since 2004, there have been 15 incidents of counterfeit medicines and 13 of counterfeit medical devices discovered in the United Kingdom supply chain. 10 incidents of counterfeit medicines reached pharmacy and patient level and led to the products being recalled. All 13 incidents of counterfeit medical devices reached patient level and action was taken to remove the products from the supply chain and inform the public.
2004-05 2005-0 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Total Medicines (reaching patient level) 2 1 2 4 0 1 10 Medicines (discovered in supply chain before reaching patient) 0 3 1 1 0 0 5 Total medicines 2 4 3 5 0 1 15 Devices 0 3 1 5 2 2 13
No fatalities or serious adverse reactions have been attributed to counterfeit medicines in the UK.
Although this represents a fraction of the 850 million prescriptions dispensed annually in the UK, or over 93,000 different types of medical devices on the market, the Government take the issue of counterfeit medical products very seriously.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has implemented a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting strategy which focuses on reducing the availability of counterfeit medical products in the UK.