ICN is very concerned with the growing problem of counterfeit medicines and the negative consequences on the prevention and treatment of disease, which can include poor treatment outcomes or failure of treatment, loss of confidence in health care, resistance to antibiotics and poisoning due to harmful ingredients. ICN supports international initiatives to combat counterfeiting and urges nurses and national nurses associations (NNAs) to collaborate with pharmacists, physicians and others to disseminate accurate information on detection and elimination of counterfeit medicines.

ICN has joined with colleagues in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and physical therapy to advocate for appropriate investments in the education and capacity building of health professionals to detect counterfeits and to safely inform colleagues and patients.

International Nurses Day 2005
Position Statements related
Press Releases related
WHPA Counterfeit Medical Products Campaign