If you take or use counterfeit medicines or medical devices you are risking your health.

The products have not been checked by the regulator, the TGA, and it is impossible to know for certain what you are using.

On this page: What are counterfeit medicines and devices? | Risks | What products are counterfeited? | The role of the TGA | Report suspected counterfeit medicine or devices

What are counterfeit medicines and devices?

Counterfeit medicines or medical devices are imitation goods which are packaged to look like genuine items. Products are considered counterfeit if they are falsely manufactured, packaged or advertised.

Risks

Using counterfeit medicines or medical devices carries a high risk of unexpected or potentially serious reactions.

Counterfeit medicines and medical devices are often deliberately packaged to look like the genuine article. However, our investigations have found these products may contain:

• the wrong active ingredient
• no active ingredient
• too much or too little active ingredient and variations across tablets and batches
• substances withdrawn from sale for safety reasons
• toxic or dangerous substances
• substandard components

While people buy counterfeit products because they are cheaper, they have wasted money on products that may not work or may be harmful.

If you have a serious medical condition, seek professional medical advice.

What products are counterfeited?

All types of medicines and medical devices are targets for counterfeiting, including:

• weight loss, hair loss and erectile dysfunction medicines
• falsely labelled herbal and complementary medicines
• over-the-counter products like paracetamol and ibuprofen
• life-saving medicines such as AIDS, cancer and heart medicines

Medical devices, including condoms, blood glucose test strips, contact lenses and even surgical devices are also subject to counterfeiting.

The role of the TGA

Importation, manufacture and supply of counterfeit therapeutic goods is against the law and subject to criminal and civil penalty provisions in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Counterfeit medicines or medical devices are a serious threat to public health. We cooperate with State and Territory governments to closely monitor the supply chain in Australia to prevent counterfeit medicines and medical devices from entering the marketplace. Because of the safety risks posed, counterfeit medicines will normally be seized and destroyed when imported.

Convicted offenders can face prison terms of up to seven years and/or heavy fines. Large fines may apply to those found in breach of the civil penalty provisions.

Report suspected counterfeit medicine or devices

If you are concerned about counterfeit medicines or medical devices, or suspect you may have seen or bought counterfeit goods, you can report the matter to the TGA:

• online: Report a perceived breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act or questionable practices relating to therapeutic products
• by phone: 1800 020 653
• by email: info@tga.gov.au
• in writing, via post to:
  • Chief Investigator
    Regulatory Compliance Unit
    Therapeutic Goods Administration
    PO Box 100
    Woden ACT 2606