Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Online platforms have accelerated sales of counterfeit medicines in Mexico
A study presented in Mexico says sales of counterfeit medicines have grown rapidly in recent years.
The study says the trade has existed for about 25 years, but expanded faster in the past five, with sales and promotion on social media and online marketplaces.
Medicines are offered on services including Mercado Libre, Amazon, Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp, sometimes without a prescription.
All people consulted in the study were unaware they had bought fake medicine, which could harm their health or fail to provide the intended effect.
The study says patients may turn to informal sellers when medicines are unavailable, access is difficult or prescriptions are hard to fill, often while trying to continue long-term treatment.
Buyers may mistake seals and other apparent checks for proof of safety, while confirming a drug is counterfeit can take time and evidence, making complaints difficult.
The study describes the problem but does not state what action will happen next.
Online platforms and social media have accelerated sales of counterfeit medicines in Mexico, according to a study presented by Simo Consulting.
Medicines are offered on Mercado Libre, Amazon, Facebook, TikTok and messaging apps, sometimes without a prescription.
The study says patients may turn to informal sellers when medicines are unavailable, hard to access or difficult to obtain with a prescription.
All people consulted in the study were unaware they were buying counterfeit medicine, which could pose health risks.
Researchers said buyers often seek to continue long-term treatment and save money rather than simply find a bargain.
- Who
- Patients seeking medicines and sellers using online platforms. The study was presented by Simo Consulting.
- What
- Online platforms and social media have accelerated sales of counterfeit medicines in Mexico.
- When
- The article was published on October 19, 2026. The study says the market expanded rapidly over the last five years.
- Where
- Mexico, including social media, messaging apps and online marketplaces.
- Why
- Limited access to medicines and difficulty filling prescriptions can lead patients to informal channels to continue treatment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Counterfeit medicines began to be sold in Mexico, according to the article.
The market expanded rapidly, driven mainly by sales and promotion on social media and e-commerce platforms.
Simo Consulting presented its study on the counterfeit medicines market.
- Study finding
- 100% of people consulted did not know they were buying counterfeit medicine
- Long-term illness
- 38% of households in Mexico live with a condition requiring daily treatment
- Market history
- Counterfeit medicines have existed in Mexico for around 25 years
- Recent trend
- The market has expanded rapidly over the last five years
- Online channels
- Mercado Libre, Amazon, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, Telegram and Instagram
1 source
What people are saying
The explosion in the digital world has created a market with a much faster dynamic than any institution could stop at the same speed
On the platforms, counterfeit medicines are sold as just another product, but the reality is that there is no verification
Health-sector vulnerability is usually the main trigger for seeking non-formal channels to obtain medicines, and the informal offer ultimately presents itself as an immediate solution that ends up seeming like the best option