Pharmacies selling fake drugs to lose license

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned pharmacies yesterday that their license would be revoked if they are found selling counterfeit drugs.

“If it is proven that these establishments are selling counterfeit drug products, their license would have to be revoked,” FDA spokesperson Pamela Sevilla said in an interview aired by the government-run Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.

She said the Philippine National Police and concerned local officials are assisting the FDA in conducting operations against these establishments, including unlicensed sari-sari stores selling fake medicines.

“Even the small drugstores that are operating without a license issued by the FDA will not be spared,” Sevilla added.

She said that based on Republic Act 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, the owners or operators of these establishments face six months to 10 years in prison, especially if the use of the counterfeit medicine bought from them resulted in death.
   “If a person dies because of the fake medicine they are selling, they can be imprisoned up to 10 years,” Sevilla said.

She advised the public to consult a doctor first before buying and taking medicines.

“Always purchase drugs from FDA-licensed establishments,” the FDA spokesperson said.

This came after the FDA warned the public on Tuesday against buying and using counterfeit Biogesic (paracetamol) 500 milligram tablets.