Consumers warned vs fake paracetamol

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned the public against the purchase and use of a counterfeit version of a popular over-the-counter medicine used to treat fever.

In an advisory, the FDA said Paracetamol (Biogesic®) 500 mg tablet has a counterfeit version.

According to the FDA, the lot number, capsule, knurling and print appearance of the fake Biogesic are not the same as the standard features of the registered product.

The FDA cautioned consumers on the potential health risks associated with the consumption of fake medicines.

“All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of this fake drug product in the market, which poses potential injury to consumers,” the advisory read.

The FDA directed drug outlets not to sell or dispense counterfeit medicines.

The agency noted that the importation or sale of such products is in violation of Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act and RA 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.

The FDA urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that fake drug products are not sold in their areas of jurisdiction.

The agency reminded consumers to purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments.