what is a ‘counterfit medication’?

Counterfeit medications/instruments are materials which have not been manufactured by the stated maker on the label. Counterfeit medications may appear exactly like the actual medication, however, there is no guarantee that, for example medications, contain any of the actual substance or may contain an unknown amount of the actual medication or the type of filler, inactive compounds.
The majority of Counterfeit medication are made in India =70%, Pakistan =10%, China = 10%, the other 10% might be manufactured anywhere, even in our own backyards, by someone with minimal understanding of Chemistry and Pharmacy.
Organized crime has also become involved in the manufacture and distribution of Counterfeit medication. If it looks like the original medication and contains no active compound all monies received are pure profit.
Many ‘Natural’ substance sold for Weight Loss, Erectile Dysfunction or hair loss, for example, might actually contain the active medical compound but in concentrations which might be deadly; or they might contain substances banned by the FDA, not to mention they might also contain adulterants such as Lead, Mercury or Arsenic.
The sad fact is that in some countries up to 66% of the medications purchased at a pharmacy might be Counterfeit. Which is one more reason to avoid purchasing medication from the Internet, or borrowing other peoples medications.
In the USA 1-5% of the medications dispensed by reputable Pharmacies might be Counterfeit.
To protect yourself always attempt to purchase your medications at the same Pharmacy, get to know your pharmacist, do not share medications and do not buy any medication over the internet.
Thank you for asking this question.
Dr. Joshi