Counterfeit drug seizures up from last year

NEW YORK Seizures of counterfeit drugs increased by 24 percent last year to 1,513 incidents, according to the Vienna, Va.-based Pharmaceutical Security Institute.

Authorities in 99 countries seized 403 different prescription drugs valued at $3 billion last year. Drugs included pills for erectile dysfunction, heart disease, AIDS, arthritis and cancer. The most commonly counterfeited drug is Pfizer’s Viagra.

A large number of the counterfeit drugs originate in China, India and Russia. The drugs often either lack active ingredients or contain improper dosages.