Buy medicines only in FDA-accredited drugstores, says pharma group

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MANILA, Philippines — A pharmaceutical group on Saturday reminded the public to only buy medicines in drugstores accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following reports that fake paracetamol tablets are being sold to the public.

In a statement sent to INQUIRER.net, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) vice president Jannette Jakosalem said that their organization is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and that they are working with authorities for stronger advocacy and enforcement against the sale of fake medicines.

“It is a threat to the lives and health of people taking them. With this, it is important to get medicines from FDA-licensed drug stores only,” Jakosalem said.

The FDA has previously warned against fake Biogesic tablets.

The authentic product and the counterfeit item differ in tablet color, foil packaging pattern, foil material, and printed markings, according to the FDA.

The issue of fake medicines followed the reported shortage of medicines for fever and flu amid the continuous uptick in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Meanwhile, Jakosalem appealed to the public not to hoard medicines.

“We call on the people to buy medicines enough for their family’s use only and to not overstock, in consideration of others who may need them more due to an illness.

“Medicines also have an expiry date, and they may be wasted due to overstocking. If the people continue to experience a temporary shortage of their preferred paracetamol brands, they may consult with their doctors or pharmacists for an appropriate alternative,” she added.

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