DANGEROUS WORLD OF COUNTERFEIT DRUGS – PHARMACIST’S ROLE AND ITS PREVENTION

Escalating social evil and global problem for pharmaceutical scientist world-wide is counterfeiting of drugs. Fraudulent representation of medication with an intention to deceptively represent its origin, authenticity and effectiveness is a counterfeited faked drug which is a potential massacre. The prominent role of drug is patient life-saving, but a drug being counterfeit encounters additive danger to patient. Global scenario indicates India accounts for one third of counterfeit drugs world-wide, being existence since 1982. It is spreading its roots in top most selling drugs like steroids, anticancer etc. This review provides an insight into the planning of counterfeit-free world by implementation of WHO guidelines, updating training programs for pharmacist, adapting innovating methods. The counterfeiters use sophisticated technology for huge profit and less trade risking for counterfeiting of drugs. This difficult task can be overcome by different diagnostic patterns like digital imaging, radio frequency identification (RFID), holographic labels, infra-red inks, supply chain tracking, chemical fingerprints. Inspite of increasing globalization and cross border trading, pharmacists play a major role in curbing the menace of proliferating counterfeit drug by holding the hands of all nations and enlighting a flawless path in pharmaceutical industry.