Federal regulators are warning about illegal online pharmacies selling dangerous counterfeit drugs

Federal regulators are warning people about the dangers of online pharmacies.

These online pharmacies claim to sell discounted medications without a prescription – but in reality, they are selling unauthorized counterfeit medications.

With just a few clicks, you can find Adderall alternatives and popular weight loss medications at deeply discounted prices. Now the CDC and FDA are warning Americans about the risks of purchasing counterfeit prescription drugs from illegal online pharmacies.

“It’s a big problem,” said Sherri Cherman, PharmD, CEO and founder of Elements Pharmacy in Studio City.

Not only do these counterfeit prescription medications fail to meet safety and effectiveness standards, they can also be downright dangerous.

“The drugs appear to be laced with fentanyl, perhaps because the facility where the drugs are manufactured may be the same facility where fentanyl and other illicit drugs are manufactured,” Cherman said.

Tens of thousands of Americans turn to these sites because medication shortages or out-of-pocket costs are too high.

“Expensive medications that people may not be able to afford in a traditional pharmacy, controlled substances that may be out of someone’s reach,” Cherman said.

According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, nearly 95% of websites that offer prescription drugs online operate illegally.

Red flags include: no doctor's prescription required, offer prices too good to be true, products appear damaged, packaging is in a foreign language, and no expiration date.

Cherman said people should check whether the online pharmacy is licensed in the United States. Go to FDA.gov and look for the “Be Safe Rx” page. Also check with your state board of pharmacy.

“The California State Board of Pharmacy has a website and anyone can go to the website to see if a pharmacy is licensed in the state of California,” Cherman said.

If you suspect you have purchased counterfeit pills, do not take them. Dispose of them safely and maintain your supply of the opioid overdose medication naloxone.

“In the event of an accidental fentanyl overdose, everyone should have naloxone at home,” Cherman said.