The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have collaborated on new guidance for pharmacists which explains the causes and consequences of counterfeiting and provides pharmacists with practical advice on detecting and reporting suspected counterfeit medicines.

The guidance has been jointly developed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following a meeting of the Society's Practice Committee where the dangers of counterfeit medicines were debated.

Guidance for pharmacists explains the background to counterfeit medicine production and highlights how organised criminal gangs have become involved in the production of illegal medicines and are supplying them through the internet, often to unwitting patients. The guidance offers pharmacists invaluable practical advice on the correct steps to take when they encounter suspected counterfeit medicines. These steps include reporting the situation to the MHRA and ensuring immediate patient safety.

David Pruce, director of Practice and Quality at the RPSGB said, "Counterfeit medicines can be extremely dangerous. They may contain little or no active medicine, a totally different medicine or a toxic chemical. The RPSGB has teamed up with the MHRA to provide invaluable guidance for pharmacists, particularly on how to report instances of counterfeit medicine supply to the MHRA."

Mick Deats, head of enforcement and intelligence at the MHRA added, "This guidance will enable pharmacists to play a key role in tackling counterfeit medicines and combat those criminals who pose a risk to public health. We encourage them to report to the MHRA any suspicious activity concerning counterfeit medicines. Together we can ensure that public health is safeguarded and legitimate medicinal supply chains are protected."