You would never charge your phone at a dubious outlet – so why would you trust your body to unknown sources? Counterfeit medicines are the “cheap chargers” of medicine: they look real but, at best, deliver insufficient effects and, at worst, cause dangerous harm. Those who seek high performance and longevity need a clean medication strategy – as consistent as training, sleep, and nutrition.

Counterfeit medicines are not a footnote but a structural risk in global supply chains. The WHO defines them as deliberately mislabeled products regarding identity and/or origin; they may contain correct, incorrect, insufficient, or excessive active ingredients, or only carry counterfeit packaging ^[1]. In developed countries, it is estimated that up to 1% of medications are counterfeit, globally about 10%, and in some countries, even up to 50%; online purchases are particularly risky, where up to 50% of the offered medicines may be counterfeit ^[1]. The term falsified medicinesintentionally manipulated, incorrectly labeled, or unregulated products is increasingly being clarified in legal frameworks to close gaps and harmonize international definitions – necessary because technically more sophisticated counterfeits are circumventing detection systems ^[2]. For consumers, this means: external authenticity does not guarantee internal quality.

The clinical consequences range from loss of efficacy to life-threatening situations. Patients may miss necessary therapies, suffer allergic reactions, or risk unstable disease courses due to fluctuating active ingredient amounts ^[3]. Substandard or fake products also undermine trust in the healthcare system and promote antimicrobial resistance, e.g., when antibiotics are dosed too low ^[4]. Worldwide, counterfeit medicines cause financial losses for patients and manufacturers and shift costs to emergency rooms and follow-up treatments, while crime benefits ^[5]. For high performers, this means: every dose of uncertainty costs recovery, time, and cognitive sharpness.

Policy and literature analyses show that the challenge is not locally confined but operates along the entire supply chain. A narrative policy review from the Philippines identified a persistent prevalence of counterfeit OTC products, Rx medications, and vaccines despite existing laws and recommends aligning national definitions consistently with WHO standards – to close interpretative gaps and facilitate enforcement ^[2]. An enumerative review from India aggregated government and NGO data over more than a decade and concluded: without stricter regulation, consistent law enforcement, and transparent monitoring, the problem persists, even as preventive measures are visible ^[5]. Internationally, an overview shows that technological advancements paradoxically benefit both counterfeiters and regulatory authorities; the authors call for coordinated, cross-border actions as counterfeits are increasingly reaching safe markets ^[6]. For practice, the essence is clear: regulation, monitoring, and real-time authentication must go hand in hand – and informed consumers are part of this defense line.

- Consistently buy from licensed pharmacies – either in-store or through verified online pharmacies with an imprint, licensing, and customer service. This significantly reduces your risk; up to 50% of online offers may be counterfeit ^[1]. Even in supposedly safe markets, incidents occur – remain vigilant ^[3].
- Check packaging security: Use safety features and verification systems where available (e.g., 2D code authentication according to EU falsification protection; pharmacies scan and verify products before dispensing) ^[7]. Actively inquire if you notice unusual packaging, deviating smells, or altered tablet shapes ^[1].
- Keep your information radars active: Subscribe to official alerts and reliable news sources on drug counterfeiting and legal measures. The situation is dynamic, globally documented, and affects all therapy fields ^{[2] [5] [6]}.
- Support awareness in your community and within your organization: Share reliable resources, train procurement/HR on safe sources, and report suspicious cases. Multisectoral initiatives that link health, law enforcement, and prevention are central – this is where community-oriented programs make their impact ^[4].
- If you are responsible for supply chains (clinics, practices, fitness or longevity setups): Implement audits, track-and-trace, and NMVO/NMVS-supported verification processes. The EU directive specifies clear safety features and national verification systems that help stop counterfeits at the dispensing level ^[7].

High performance requires reliable medications. Secure your chain: only licensed pharmacies, utilize authentication, monitor alerts, and promote awareness. Every clean decision in procurement directly contributes to your health, performance, and longevity.