One in five Finns would consider buying medicines illegally if seriously ill

A survey commissioned by the Finnish Medicines Verification Organisation (Fimvo) and conducted by Taloustutkimus Oy in March 2026 shows that serious illness may lead Finns to take significant risks when obtaining medicines. According to the study, 20% of Finns could consider using prescription medicines obtained through illegal channels if they were seriously ill and the medicine was not easily available.

– Above all, the result reflects desperation. A seriously ill person may seek help at any cost, and that is precisely what pharmaceutical criminals seek to exploit. The internet is full of professionally manufactured falsified medicines that are practically impossible for consumers to distinguish from genuine products, says Maija Gohlke, CEO of the Finnish Medicines Verification Organisation.

A falsified medicine is deliberately designed to resemble a genuine product. It may contain the wrong active ingredient, incorrect dosage levels, or in the worst cases, completely unknown and dangerous substances.

Only half had heard of falsified prescription medicines

According to the survey, only half of Finns (51%) had heard of falsified prescription medicines before participating in the survey. At the same time, as many as 20% of respondents believed they could identify a falsified medicine fairly or very well.

– In reality, a well-made falsified medicine cannot be identified based on appearance alone. Counterfeit products may look completely authentic, including the packaging, Gohlke says.

The only reliable way to ensure a medicine is genuine is to obtain prescription medicines from a licensed pharmacy. According to the survey, only 10% of Finns had heard of the medicines verification system used in Finnish pharmacies, which is designed to prevent falsified medicines from entering the legal supply chain.

The survey also examined online purchasing habits. Nineteen percent of Finns reported having purchased prescription medicines from Finnish online pharmacies, while suspicious medicine sales and advertising were encountered particularly on social media platforms and through Google searches.

Survey Information: Finns’ Attitudes Towards Genuine Medicines and Falsified Medicines

• Taloustutkimus Oy internet panel survey, conducted 23–30 March 2026 

• Target group: Finnish residents aged 18 and over 

• Total number of respondents: 1,117