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Counterfeiting in performance‐ and image‐enhancing drugs
Author(s) -
Graham Michael R.,
Ryan Paul,
Baker Julien S.,
Davies Bruce,
Thomas Eleri,
Cooper StephenMark.,
Evans Peter,
Easmon Sue,
Walker Christopher J.,
Cowan David,
Kicman Andrew T.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
drug testing and analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.065
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1942-7611
pISSN - 1942-7603
DOI - 10.1002/dta.30
Subject(s) - counterfeit , counterfeit drugs , medicine , black market , anabolic androgenic steroids , growth hormone , anabolism , hormone , political science , law
The current drastic escalation in obesity may be contributing to the exponential rise in drugs used for image enhancement. Drugs such as anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) are perceived as a viable method of achieving a perfect physique. They are also the most widely abused drugs in sport. The Internet has encouraged the abuse of expensive drugs, particularly human growth hormone (hGH), resulting in increased importation for personal use. The substantial increase in this market has opened up avenues for counterfeiting, estimated as a multi‐million pound business. The acute adverse effects from contaminated vials may result in a variety of pathologies including communicable diseases. In 2007, in the UK, a series of intramuscular abscesses, requiring surgical treatment, led us to study samples obtained from the underground market. The analysis of 38 parenteral samples and 19 oral samples of tablets was performed by a World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, in an attempt to establish the extent of available counterfeit products. Fifty‐three per cent (20) of the injectable AAS esters and 21% (4) of the oral tablets were counterfeit. Culture and sensitivity revealed the presence of skin commensal organisms, which may have contributed to the development of the abscesses. Users of AAS and hGH for sport, including bodybuilding, are currently risking their health because of counterfeit and poorly controlled products. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.