FDA issues warning on fake vaccines

MANILA, Philippines—The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers on the recurring issue of fake vaccines penetrating the market.

FDA spokesperson Joyce Cirunay told Radyo Inquirer 990AM that the public should avoid buying vaccines from dubious pharmacies.

“The public should only buy vaccines on legitimate pharmacies which have resident pharmacists residing in it,” Cirunay said. “Consumers should always ask upon entering the pharmacy if a registered pharmacist is present.”

FDA spokesperson Joyce Cirunay. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/jesusajoyce.cirunay

Cirunay said that a pharmacy without a pharmacist inside is the first warning sign for consumers to stay away from the establishment.

She added that consumers should look at the medicines being sold since packaging of counterfeit medicines usually have blurred prints on it.

Another is the proper storage of medicines, especially vaccines which require adequate and proper refrigeration.

“They should always look at the refrigeration units in the pharmacy wherein the vaccines inside a refrigerator should not be stored with soda and food products,” Cirunay said.  “They should only buy on pharmacists that have the proper refrigeration units.”

Lastly, Cirunay said that the public can report on the FDA website if there are anomalies regarding pharmaceutical products.

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