New Viagra site launched
pharmafile | May 10, 2013 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Sales and Marketing | ED, Pfizer, viagra
Pfizer has launched a new sales website for Viagra, the ‘little blue pill’ which is its most counterfeited medicine, to people with prescriptions.
The erectile dysfunction brand is a target for fake online sites, with 24 million online searches for the drug carried out each year, according to Pfizer.
The new site is powered by online chemist CVS/pharmacy and can be accessed by men submitting a valid new prescription or refilling an existing one through Viagra.com, and offers free delivery in the continental US.
Research by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has suggested that as few as 3% of websites selling prescription drugs are legitimate pharmacies, and up to half offer foreign or non-FDA-approved drugs.
“We’ve seen how fake pharmacy websites can lure consumers into buying counterfeit medicines with what seems to be an easy purchasing experience, but it may be putting their health at risk,” said Carmen Catizone, executive director of NABP.
To reinforce these arguments, Pfizer paints a bleak picture of the perils of fake Viagra (sildenafil citrate), pointing out that such tablets can contain the wrong or incorrect levels of its active ingredient, as well as potentially dangerous contaminants.
“We have seen counterfeit medicines manufactured in filthy and deplorable conditions,” said Matthew Bassiur, vice president, Pfizer Global Security.
“Samples of counterfeit Viagra tested by our labs have contained pesticides, wallboard, commercial paint and printer ink. These findings motivate us to continue our aggressive global efforts to stop those who prey on unsuspecting patients,” he concluded.
CVS.com has received accreditation from the NAPB’s VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) programme – and Pfizer suggests that websites carrying this kitemark would also be a way for patients to buy the drug safely.
Part of the problem for Pfizer is that, while the majority consumers understand it is difficult to distinguish between legitimate and dodgy online pharmacies, many of them are still tempted to buy from such sources.
A US survey in 2011, sponsored by NABP and Pfizer, found 82% of men can see the potential risk, yet 36% would still consider buying erectile dysfunction drugs online.
Adam Hill
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