FDA warns vs fake drugs

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against counterfeit versions of nine commonly bought medicines.

In separate advisories issued on May 4, the FDA cautioned the public on the potential health risks associated with the consumption of counterfeit drugs.

“All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of these counterfeit drug products in the market, which poses potential danger or injury to consumers,” the FDA said.

Among the drugs with counterfeit versions are mefenamic acid (Ponstan) 500 milligram tablet, loperamide hydrochloride (Diatabs) 2 mg capsule, aluminum hydroxide/ magnesium hydroxide/ simeticone (Kremil-S) 178 mg/ 233 mg/ 30 mg chewable tablet, ibuprofen (Medicol Advance) 200 mg softgel capsule, and loperamide hydrochloride (Lomotil) 2 mg tablet.

FDA also listed counterfeit versions of ibuprofen/paracetamol (Alaxan FR) 200 mg/ 325 mg capsule, phenylephrine hydrochloride/ chlorphenamine maleate/ paracetamol (Neozep Forte) 10 mg/ 2 mg/ 500 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride/chlorphenamine maleate/paracetamol (Bioflu) 10 mg / 2 mg/ 500 mg film-coated tablet, and dextromethorphan HBr/ phenylpropanolamine HCl/ paracetamol (Tuseran Forte).

The FDA directed all establishments and drug outlets not to sell or dispense counterfeit products, adding that the importation, sale or offering for sale of such products is in direct violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.