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Counterfeiting in performance- and image-enhancing drugs.
Michael R Graham1, Paul Ryan, Julien S Baker
1The Newman Centre for Sport and Exercise Research, Newman University College, Birmingham, UK. drgraham.ac.uk@live.co.uk
Counterfeit anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and human growth hormone (hGH) are prevalent in the sports market. Analysis revealed over half of injectable AAS and a fifth of oral tablets were counterfeit, posing significant health risks to users.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising obesity rates correlate with increased use of image-enhancing drugs like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
- The internet facilitates abuse and personal importation of performance-enhancing drugs, including human growth hormone (hGH).
- A burgeoning counterfeit drug market, estimated in the millions, poses risks of contaminated products and adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of counterfeit drugs in the underground market.
- To analyze the composition and potential contamination of AAS and hGH samples.
- To assess the health risks associated with counterfeit performance-enhancing drugs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 38 parenteral and 19 oral samples obtained from the UK underground market.
- Testing conducted by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory.
- Microbiological culture and sensitivity testing to identify contaminants.
Main Results:
- 53% of injectable AAS esters (20 out of 38) were found to be counterfeit.
- 21% of oral tablets (4 out of 19) were identified as counterfeit.
- Skin commensal organisms were detected, potentially causing abscesses in users.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of AAS and hGH available through illicit channels are counterfeit.
- Contaminated counterfeit drugs pose serious health risks, including infections and pathologies.
- Athletes and bodybuilders using these substances risk their health due to poor quality control and counterfeiting.
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