By Kerry Breen
/ CBS News
Medical tourism draws Americans to Mexico
The U.S. Department of Stateissued a warning after reporting showed that counterfeit pharmaceuticals containing illicit drugs were being sold in pharmacies in Mexico.
The counterfeit medications were tainted with substances including fentanyl and methamphetamine, the department said. The details of the counterfeit pills were first reported by the Los Angeles Times. The department said that the Drug Enforcement Administration had also reported counterfeit prescriptions sold on both sides of the border, represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax and others.
The department said in its advisory that people should "exercise caution when purchasing medicine," noting that pharmaceuticals, even those that might require a prescription in the United States, "are often readily available for purchase with little regulation."
In addition to the risk of contamination, officials said counterfeit medication could "prove to be ineffective" or be the wrong strength.
"Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments," the department said, noting that counterfeit medications are "readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas."
The kidnapping of four Americans earlier this month in a Mexican border town has also put a spotlight on "medical tourism," or when people travel to another country to receive more affordable medical care or prescriptions. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not track crime related to medical tourism, they do deem the practice "risky."
A 2015 study from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) found that about a million people from California traveled to Mexico to buy medicine at lower prices.
Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
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As an expert in pharmaceutical safety and healthcare practices, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge on the topic at hand. My experience and understanding of the pharmaceutical industry allow me to shed light on the concerns raised in the CBS News article dated March 18, 2023, regarding medical tourism and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Mexico.
The U.S. Department of State issued a warning based on reports revealing the sale of counterfeit medications containing illicit drugs in Mexican pharmacies. The counterfeit pills, as disclosed by the Los Angeles Times, were found to be tainted with substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. This poses a significant threat to individuals seeking medical treatment or purchasing medications in Mexico, as the risk of contamination and potential ineffectiveness of these counterfeit drugs is substantial.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported the presence of counterfeit prescriptions on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, falsely represented as popular medications like OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others. The advisory from the Department of State emphasizes the importance of exercising caution when purchasing medicine, highlighting the lack of stringent regulations that make pharmaceuticals readily available even without proper prescriptions.
One key concern highlighted in the advisory is the accessibility of counterfeit medications through small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas. These medications are often advertised on social media, posing a significant risk to individuals who may unknowingly purchase them.
The article also touches upon the broader concept of "medical tourism," where individuals travel to another country to receive more affordable medical care or prescriptions. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not specifically track crime related to medical tourism, they consider the practice to be "risky." The kidnapping of four Americans in a Mexican border town further underscores the potential dangers associated with medical tourism.
A 2015 study from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) found that about a million people from California traveled to Mexico to buy medicine at lower prices, highlighting the extent of this phenomenon.
In conclusion, the article raises critical issues surrounding pharmaceutical safety, counterfeit medications, and the risks associated with medical tourism in Mexico. As an expert in this field, I emphasize the importance of purchasing medication only in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments to ensure the safety and efficacy of the drugs consumed.
