Tests Reveal Fake Drugs From Canada

Testing revealed fake versions of Lipitor and other widely used prescription drugs ordered through websites linked to a Canadian pharmacy, the Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.

Consumers who bought drugs through the 10 websites should not use the medications because they may not be safe, the FDA said. The sites include RxNorth.com, Canadiandrugstore.com and Rxbyfax.com.

Prescriptions ordered through the sites are filled by Mediplan Prescription Plus Pharmacy, also known as Mediplan Global Health Inc., according to the FDA and information posted on the sites. A message seeking comment from the Minnedosa, Canada, company was not immediately returned.

Testing revealed counterfeit versions of drugs including Pfizer Inc.’s Lipitor and AstraZeneca’s Crestor, both for cholesterol, the FDA said.

Some of the drugs had the active ingredients found in genuine versions, but at lower concentrations. That could put patients at risk, FDA Associate Commissioner Randall Lutter said.