State Department warns of counterfeit drugs sold in Mexican pharmacies

U.S. Department of State issued a warning After it was reported that counterfeit medicines, including illegal drugs, were being sold in Mexican pharmacies.

The agency said the counterfeit drugs were laced with substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.Details of counterfeit tablets First reported by the Los Angeles TimesThe Drug Enforcement Administration also reports that counterfeit prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet and Xanax are being sold on both sides of the border, according to the agency.

In its recommendations, the ministry said people should “use caution when purchasing medicines,” and that even medicines that require a prescription in the United States “are often readily available with little regulation.” said.

In addition to the risk of contamination, officials said counterfeit medicines could “proven to be ineffective” or be of the wrong strength.

“Medicines should be purchased from reputable establishments in consultation with a medical professional,” the agency said, noting that counterfeit medicines “are quickly promoted on social media and not located along the Mexican border or in Mexican chain stores.” You can buy it at small pharmacies,” he said. tourist area. ”

Four Americans were kidnapped in a Mexican border town earlier this month Spotlight on “medical tourism” Or when people travel to other countries for more affordable medical care and prescriptions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not track crime related to medical tourism, but considers the practice “dangerous.”

a 2015 study by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) found that about one million people traveled from California to Mexico to purchase medicines at low prices.