title: Substandard/counterfeit antimicrobial drugs.
abstract: Substandard/counterfeit antimicrobial drugs are a growing global problem. The most common substandard/counterfeit antimicrobials include beta-lactams (among antibiotics) and chloroquine and artemisin derivatives (among antimalarials). The most common type of substandard/counterfeit antimicrobial drugs have a reduced amount of the active drug, and the majority of them are manufactured in Southeast Asia and Africa. Counterfeit antimicrobial drugs may cause increased mortality and morbidity and pose a danger to patients. Here we review the literature with regard to the issue of substandard/counterfeit antimicrobials and describe the prevalence of this problem, the different types of substandard/counterfeit antimicrobial drugs, and the consequences for the individuals and global public health. Local, national, and international initiatives are required to combat this very important public health issue.
authors: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors: Theodoros
authors: T
authors: Kelesidis
authors: Alfa Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Athens, Greece Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA m.falagas@aibs.gr.
authors: Matthew E
authors: ME
authors: Falagas
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000592:standards* / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D058110:Counterfeit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D007391:International Cooperation; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D058110:Counterfeit Drugs