What does the term “counterfeit drugs” refer to?

The term “counterfeit drugs” specifically refers to medications that are falsely labeled regarding their identity or source. This means that the drug may be fake and not contain the correct active ingredients, or it may be misrepresented to make it appear as if it comes from a legitimate source when it actually does not. Counterfeit drugs pose significant dangers to patients as they may lead to treatment failures, adverse effects, or even serious harm, as the quality and safety of such products cannot be guaranteed.

In contrast, expired drugs are simply those that have passed their intended shelf life and may not be effective or safe to use, but they do not qualify as counterfeit. Similarly, improperly stored medications refer to those that have not been kept under appropriate conditions, which might affect their potency but again do not make them counterfeit. Lastly, generic drugs sold under a brand name are legitimate pharmaceutical products that are correctly manufactured to meet standards, so they also do not fit the definition of counterfeit drugs. Thus, only the option that describes drugs falsely labeled in terms of identity or source accurately captures the meaning of counterfeit drugs.