The idea is frightening: medicines are adulterated or diluted. Filmmaker Daniel Rettig, who has spent ten years researching the pharmaceutical industry, says that more than one in 100 of all medicines are counterfeit. How dangerous is that for us? And how can we protect ourselves?

Are counterfeits only sold on the Internet?
"There above all. According to statistics, customs confiscated a total of 106,880 pharmaceutical packages worth 1.78 million euros in 2016 that came to Germany via illegal distribution channels. These were mainly ordered via dubious online retailers. According to the German Pharmacists' Drug Commission, there were only 14 suspicious activity reports in the legal supply chain in 2016. Not a single one of these was confirmed."

How can dangerous medicines be identified?
"Counterfeits can be recognized by the design of the packaging. Check whether the colors on the packaging differ from a previously purchased one. Are there any abnormalities in the expiry date, for example is there one number too many printed on the pack? Are there any spelling mistakes on the packaging or in the leaflet? Are there any anomalies with the blister pack?"

Is there actually such a thing as a quality seal?
"Every medicine sold in German pharmacies has undergone numerous testing and control processes and is approved by the authorities before it is placed on the market. The approval number can be found on the medicine packaging. Drug manufacturers are also engaged in extensive preparations for additional protection against counterfeiting. From 2019, prescription medicines will be provided with a counterfeit-proof data matrix code. Pharmacists will then use this code to check the authenticity of each individual medicine before passing it on to patients."

Where can I be really sure when buying medicines?
"Patients who buy a medicine from either a local pharmacy or a certified mail-order pharmacy can be sure that they are receiving a genuine and safe product. You can recognize an official Internet pharmacy by the EU safety logo. This leads directly to the mail-order pharmacy register of the German Institute for Medical Documentation. You don't need to be afraid of getting dangerous medicines here."

What should I do if something seems strange?
"Contact your pharmacist or the drug manufacturer immediately. They will help you further and inform the responsible authority and the German Pharmacists' Drug Commission in case of suspicion."