The New York Times recently ran an engrossing article about how tainted cough syrup, manufactured in China and exported around the world, ended up responsible for killing thousands of people across the globe, many of whom were children. It was only recently that doctors uncovered the source of the inexplicable "mass poisonings": the syrup was tainted with diethylene glycol, aka "antifreeze."
That's right--antifreeze. The stuff you put in your car.
All of this got me thinking: how can we trust the medicine we buy? I did a quick search and found the FDA's already tackled the problem and has some great tips:
"The FDA encourages consumers to purchase drugs only from state-licensed pharmacies that are located in the United States, and to check for changes in the drugs they purchase. Be alert to changes in packaging, labeling, color, taste, shape of pill, or unanticipated side effects. Before buying drugs over the Internet, make sure the Web site has a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal. Consumers who suspect that a drug is counterfeit should contact the pharmacist who dispensed the drug and the FDA at (800) 332-1088."
This isn't to say we should be paranoid. But we should be prudent.
For the NY Times article, click here: Counterfeit Cough Syrup
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