Counterfeits exist of products made by nearly all renowned pharmaceutical companies. Bayer, too, is affected, through its drug for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Criminals make counterfeits of other medicines as well, and sell them primarily through illegal online pharmacies. But there is clear evidence that they are sold in red-light districts, discos, and gyms.

Many fake drugs for erectile dysfunction are sold illegally and sometimes even at a higher price than the original product. A pharmacy is the only trustworthy place for prescription medicines. Anyone who ignores pharmaceutical legislation is only interested in their own profit, and not in providing safe, effective, high-quality medicines.

• Many dubious sellers offer counterfeited products that are difficult to distinguish from the original. The websites of internet pharmacies also look legitimate. They often offer medical advice. Even if the tablets or packaging look like the original, there is no guarantee that you have a safe, effective product. Original products by pharmaceuticals makers are equipped with special security features, such as lettering, color hues and embossing on the packaging, that let you verify their authenticity.

• Read more about these features of the various products on our “Beware of Counterfeits” homepage at the bottom of the page, under “Download product brochures and flyers.” You can find an overview of legal and certified online pharmacies on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website www.nabp.net.
• When purchasing medication abroad, go to the pharmacy in that country rather than other sources. It makes sense to speak with your physician or pharmacist and prepare a personal “travel kit” containing your medicines before you go abroad.
• Should suspicious medication fall in your hands, consult your physician or pharmacist, or contact the original product’s maker . This is particularly true if you notice that a medicine you have taken seems to have a different effect than usual, or if the packaging somehow seems different.
  

? More information about the verification logo can be found in this article.

Please note that in certain cases, so-called parallel imports are allowed. In the EU, importers may import authorized medications from another country of the European Union and repackage them. They exchange the original packaging for their own version, or attach labels in the country’s language. In any case, the company in charge of re-packaging has to be clearly stated. Your pharmacist can provide you with more information.
Because every country has different laws regarding reimport or parallel import of medicines, please check the websites of your national health ministries for more information.