Warnings over counterfeit alprazolam (Xanax)

Counterfeit alprazolam, commonly known by its brand name Xanax, is a significant concern due to the potential risks it poses to public health. Counterfeit medications are pharmaceutical products that are produced and distributed without proper authorization or quality control. They are often designed to mimic legitimate medications but may contain incorrect doses of active ingredients or even harmful substances.

Here are some warnings and potential risks associated with counterfeit alprazolam:

1. Ineffective treatment: Counterfeit alprazolam may not contain the correct dosage of the active ingredient, or it may not contain any active ingredient at all. This can lead to ineffective treatment for individuals who rely on alprazolam for anxiety or panic disorders.
2. Adverse effects: Counterfeit medications can contain different, potentially dangerous substances, including other active ingredients, contaminants, or adulterants. These substances may cause adverse effects or allergic reactions in individuals who take them, leading to health complications.
3. Overdose and toxicity: Counterfeit alprazolam tablets may contain higher doses of the active ingredient than indicated, posing a risk of overdose. Overdosing on alprazolam can cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression, confusion, and even coma or death.
4. Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly stopping alprazolam, especially for individuals who have been taking it regularly, can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Counterfeit medication may not contain the expected amount of active ingredient, which can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and make them more challenging to manage.
5. Dependency and addiction: Alprazolam is a potent benzodiazepine that can be habit-forming and lead to dependency or addiction. Using counterfeit alprazolam may increase the risk of dependency, as inconsistent doses and unknown substances can disrupt the proper management of anxiety disorders.

To minimize the risks associated with counterfeit medications, it is essential to obtain prescription medications from reputable sources, such as licensed pharmacies and healthcare professionals. If you suspect that you have received counterfeit alprazolam or any other medication, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider, local regulatory authorities, or law enforcement to report the incident and seek guidance.

Certainly! Here are some additional points regarding warnings about counterfeit alprazolam:

1. Varied quality and appearance: Counterfeit alprazolam tablets can have inconsistent quality and appearance compared to legitimate ones. They may have irregular shapes, unusual colors, or lack proper markings and imprints. These variations can make it challenging to distinguish counterfeit from authentic medication.
2. Online purchasing risks: Buying alprazolam or any medication from unverified online sources significantly increases the likelihood of receiving counterfeit products. Illegitimate online pharmacies often operate without proper regulations, making it easier for counterfeiters to distribute fake medications.
3. Lack of regulatory oversight: Counterfeit medications are produced and distributed outside the legitimate pharmaceutical supply chain, bypassing regulatory controls. These counterfeit products are not subjected to the same quality assurance measures, safety standards, and testing processes as authorized medications.
4. Increased prevalence: Counterfeit alprazolam is a growing problem globally. It is not limited to any specific region and can be found in various countries. Criminal networks involved in counterfeit pharmaceuticals often exploit the high demand for medications like alprazolam, making it challenging to detect and control the problem effectively.
5. Public awareness and education: Raising awareness among the general public, healthcare providers, and law enforcement agencies is crucial in combating the counterfeit medication issue. Educating individuals about the risks associated with counterfeit drugs and providing information on how to identify reputable sources can help prevent their circulation and use.

It is important to prioritize your safety and consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns or prescription medications. They can provide accurate information, and guidance, and prescribe legitimate medications suitable for your specific needs.

NSW Health is warning people not to buy prescription medications on overseas websites or off the street after the discovery of counterfeit versions of anti-anxiety drugs.

NSW Poisons Information Centre clinical director Professor Andrew Dawson said a number of products have tested positive for etizolam instead of the expected alprazolam, and other drugs have also been detected in the counterfeit products. These can be extremely harmful.

“We have seen a doubling in calls about alprazolam to the NSW Poisons Information Centre just in the past two months,” Professor Dawson said.

The counterfeit products are labeled with the brand names “Xanax” or “Mylan” which are not sold through pharmacies in Australia. There are also reports of counterfeit versions of the Australian brand, “Karma” 2mg.

“The packaging and tablets are cleverly copied to look like prescription pharmaceutical brands so we are urging people to only buy from registered Australian pharmacies.”

“If you have taken a tablet purchased online or from the street and are experiencing side effects, call Triple Zero immediately or seek urgent medical attention.”

Anyone concerned about these tablets or adverse effects from benzodiazepines should contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for confidential advice.

Signs of overdose include difficulty or slowed breathing, lack of consciousness, and seizures.

NSW Health has notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration of these counterfeit medications, who have issued their own safety advisory

For support and information about alcohol and other drugs, please get in touch with the Alcohol and Drug Information Service –
1800 250 015, a 24/7 service offering confidential and anonymous telephone counseling and information. NUAA also provides a range of harm minimization resources and advice and can be reached on 1800 644 413.

Associated public drug warnings can be found at Public drug alerts.

In 2020/21 the Government will invest more than $231 million in delivering alcohol and other drug prevention, education, treatment, and ongoing care programs state-wide.