Perspective
by
Friedman, J. & Ciccarone, D.
Release Date
2025
Geography
International
Language of Resource
English
Full Text Available
Yes
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Yes
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Objective
This paper discusses the unique risk profile of potent, synthetic illegal drugs being packaged as counterfeit pills (as opposed to powder) in the context of overdose crises like those seen in North America. Recommendations to mitigate the harm of these counterfeit pharmaceutical pills are presented.
Findings/Key points
Recommendations include the expansion of educational and awareness campaigns, drug checking services to help consumers shift demand to safer products, increased monitoring in routine clinical scenarios and overdose death toxicology, and expanding medically managed safer alternatives to counterfeit pill use.
Keywords
Illegal drugs
Diversion
Drug checking
Harm reduction
Overdose
Safer supply
Stigma
Substitution/OAT
