Germany warns travelers of counterfeit medicines and urges pharmacy guidance

The German Centre for Travel Medicine (CRM) reports that counterfeit or substandard medicines are especially common in Southeast Asia, Central and West Africa, but can occur worldwide. Fake products often contain little or no active ingredient, posing the greatest risk to travelers who rely on ineffective treatment. The CRM advises buying only from official pharmacies or health facilities, checking packaging for damage or spelling errors, and avoiding loose tablets sold in bulk.

Simultaneously, the rise of AI‑generated deepfake videos on social media is spreading false claims about miracle supplements and unproven treatments. Health officials say such misinformation encourages self‑medication, dangerous drug interactions, and the abandonment of prescribed therapies. Experts stress that local pharmacies remain essential for evaluating medication safety, identifying counterfeit products, and advising on legitimate supplements, especially as an increasing number of pharmacies face closure.

The combined threats highlight the need for travelers and patients to rely on qualified pharmacy professionals rather than unverified online content.