The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has warned pharmacies to be aware that counterfeit painkillers are in circulation after a significant quantity of fake tablets under the brand name Percocet were seized by police in London.

Leyla Hannbeck (pictured), the NPA’s chief pharmacist and medicines safety officer for all independent pharmacies with less than 50 branches, informed NPA members with a message on its website that the fake Percocet tablets contain only fentanyl as the active ingredient - genuine Percocet tablets contain a combination of oxycodone and paracetamol.

“Percocet is not a licensed brand in the UK. Fake Percocet tablets have been in circulation in North America for some time; however, this is the first time it has been found in the UK,” she wrote.

“Although it is more likely that fake Percocet tablets will be available outside of the reputable medicines supply chain, I would advise that all pharmacy teams be made aware of this new threat.

“With Falsified Medicines Directive coming into force on 9 February 2019, I will continue to highlight all relevant patient safety matters in line with my role as medication safety officer for pharmacies with less than 50 branches in England.”