Council issue warning on taking fake prescription drugs
The move comes after the recent deaths of two people in Cumbria
People in Cumbria are being warned of the dangers of taking fake prescription drugs which may have been bought online, through messaging chats or on the street.
The move comes after the recent deaths of two people in Cumbria.
Cumberland Council says the circumstances surrounding the deaths have raised concerns about the possible use of this medication.
The drugs subject to the warning are thought to have been sold as diazepam (‘Valium’).
Using drugs obtained in this way without a prescription means there are no guarantees as to what the drugs bought may actually contain, or the dosage levels. They often come in blister packs to look more convincing.
The only safe way to use prescription medicines and guarantee their authenticity is when they are prescribed by a medical professional such as a GP, and obtained from a pharmacist.
Diazepam is a drug only available on prescription in the UK and used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures or fits.
Partners including Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumbria Police, local NHS services, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, and Recovery Steps Cumbria have therefore joined forces to warn members of the public who may be buying drugs without a medical prescription.
Anyone who may have bought drugs online is advised not to take them, to destroy them safely by taking them to a local pharmacy, and contact their GP about any health concerns they may have.
If someone has taken any such medication and starts to feel unwell, they should contact 999 immediately and follow the instructions given.