Pfizer, the maker of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is taking legal action against dozens of illegitimate online "pharmacies" and working with law enforcement agencies to block sales of counterfeit Viagra and illegal "generic" versions of Pfizer's erectile dysfunction medication.

In addition, the company has launched a new public awareness advertising campaign and online resource to help educate consumers about how to avoid illegitimate websites, safely purchase genuine Viagra online, and help minimize Viagra spam, a company release said.

"Pfizer is taking these steps to help raise consumer awareness about the problems posed by illegitimate online 'pharmacies' and to directly address the source of these problems," said Jeff Kindler, executive vice president and general counsel at Pfizer. "We want it clearly known that Pfizer does not send or support the sending of spam, which comes from websites that illegally use the Viagra name to promote and market unapproved ED products that may contain ingredients that either do not provide optimal efficacy or may pose health risks," he stated.

Kindler said Pfizer is suing a number of these websites, as well as filing dozens of legal proceedings to seize the domain names of illegal sites selling fake Viagra. The company is also working with numerous government organizations including the Department of Justice, US Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prosecute counterfeiters and to identify and seize illegal products.

These illegal websites often promote "Viagra" but send the consumer counterfeit drug. Some sites promote "generic Viagra" or "generic sildenafil citrate"-although this is not legally possible since there is no FDA-approved generic version of Viagra. The tactic can be misleading to consumers, who routinely purchase legitimate FDA-approved generic versions of other drugs. Pfizer receives letters from consumers who unknowingly purchase fake Viagra from such websites, and receive drug that doesn't work or makes them ill, company says.