Same Drug, Different Name
A “designer” or “synthetic” drug is a structural analog of a controlled substance that mimics the effects of the substance while avoiding classification as illegal. Synthetic copies of pharmaceuticals are common in erectile dysfunction, birth control and performance enhancement. The latter can avoid detection in standard drug tests.
One of the newest synthetics is Pink. This designer drug began showing up online late last year. Pink, also known as U-4770, is synthetic opioid, known to be five times stronger then morphine. This drug also goes by the names “Pinky,” “U-4,”
The drug is banned in the US and has been linked to over fifty deaths in the past seven months. Many users are turning to overseas websites to obtain it.
G2 employs a proprietary research technique we call iteration to stay on top of key trends and see connections among illegal products. An example is Sibutramine, a weight management drug, that was banned in many nations in late 2010 due to overwhelming evidence that it caused harm. G2 immediately began flagging it as an illegal drug. However, because G2 analysts are trained to look for similar version or iterations of controlled and banned substances, we found many combinations of Sibutramine for sale by merchants all over the world.
G2 used iteration to draw connections between Sibutramine, Bethel 30, Slim-K, and dozens of other drugs. The G2 team stays on top of these changes and constantly evolving drug names so that your team doesn’t have to.
On the Topic of Topicals
Topicals are one of the newest risks to acquirers. This category consists of mostly dermatological type products, many of which are banned or are only available with a prescription. Often a merchant may stock many lotions or topical creams, and most are fine. However, just one or two products may contain some of the banned chemicals. This results in a ‘needle in a haystack’ challenge that makes monitoring for these banned products confusing.
Some of the trending non-compliant topicals include skin lightening creams, often with unusual names or Retin-A creams without a prescription. These may include clobetasol proprionate, which the US Food and Drug Administration has found can lead to hypercortisolism, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.
Upcoming Webinar on Synthetics & Topicals
G2 will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 20 highlighting the newest trends in risk and compliance around synthetic drugs, pharmaceuticals and topicals. Members of the G2 analyst and client service teams will share the latest risks and what to monitor.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_btn title=”Click here to register for New Risks for Acquirers: Synthetic Pharma, Designer Drugs & Topicals.” color=”warning” size=”lg” align=”center” button_block=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2webservices.com%2Fnew-risks-for-acquirers-synthetic-pharma-designer-drugs-topicals%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]G2 Web Services has the experience, data and skills to provide customers with comprehensive solutions that transform the way they manage and monitor merchant and business risk. Learn how G2 can help you comply with these new regulations, contact us today.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
