Pharmacists warn against counterfeit meds sold online

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) --A shortage of some prescription drugs or just the cost of medicine is driving more people to the Internet. They're counting on online pharmacies to deliver the pills they need. But you may not be getting what you paid for and it could be dangerous to your health.

Dixie Wallace picked up her prescription from the Hy-Vee pharmacy.

Wallacesays she's comfortable knowing exactly where it came from and would never buy her pills online.

"The pharmacist checks everything and double checks. I would be very skeptical of that coming from India or wherever," said Wallace.

Experts say Wallace is right to be skeptical.

"Pretty much any name brand medication can have a counterfeit," said Hy-Vee pharmacist Jason Tipton.

Pharmacists say some of the more popular counterfeit medications are Viagra and Adderall.

Drug manufacturers now use holographic seals for consumers to know the difference between what is real and fake.

FDA lab tests recently found counterfeit Adderall with the wrong active ingredient, containing pain medicine instead.

But some counterfeits can contain more harmful substances.

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Pharmacists warn against counterfeit meds sold online