FDA cautions vs fake drugs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning the public against counterfeit versions of popular over-the-counter (OTC) drugs being sold in the market.

In its advisory, the agency advised against using the fake versions of the following products: Mefanamic Acid (Dolfenal) 500 mg tablet; Dextromethorphan HBr + Phenylephrine HCI + Paracetamol (Tuseran Forte) 15 mg / 10 mg / 325 mg Capsule; Loperamide (Diatabs) 2 mg Capsule; Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) 200 mg / 325 mg Capsule; and Phenylephrine HCI / Chlorphenamine Maleate / Paracetamol (Neozep Forte) 10 mg / 2 mg / 500 mg Tablet.

The FDA said the authentic and counterfeit versions of the said OTC drugs have different security marks, print color, foil patterns, colors and logos, expiry date pattern and even the color of the drugs.

“All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned to be vigilant of the abovementioned counterfeit drug products. These pose potential danger or injury to the consuming public,” the agency said.

Importing and selling counterfeit versions of the said OTC drugs are punishable under Republic Act 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and RA 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.

The FDA directed law enforcement and local government units to ensure that the fake drugs are not sold in their areas of jurisdiction.

The public may report the sale or distribution of the counterfeit drugs to [email protected] or (02) 8078275 and any suspected adverse drug reaction to www.fda.gov.ph/adr-report-new. RAM

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