Publication

Counterfeit Pills Factsheet

September 27, 2021
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Drug Prevention
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Counterfeit Pills Factsheet

What is it?

  • Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids – such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), and alprazolam (Xanax®); or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®) – but contain fentanyl or methamphetamine.

  • Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.

  • Counterfeit pills are widely available, and DEA and its law enforcement partners are seizing deadly fake pills at record rates.

  • Counterfeit pills are more lethal than ever before. The number of DEA-seized counterfeit pills with fentanyl has jumped nearly 430 percent since 2019. DEA lab testing reveals that 2 out of every 5 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.

  • The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

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Drugs of Concern