Fake medicines have always been a problem in the Philippines as the country is geographically near to leading fraudulent manufacturers such as China, Pakistan, and India. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines advised consumers to maintain a high level of awareness about counterfeit drugs and to buy medicines from drugstores duly-licensed by the FDA. Consumers should also think twice if the price is lower than usual, especially those found online or in the black market.
Counterfeit drugs are fake medicines. They are products that maybe contaminated or contain the wrong or no active ingredients. They could have right active ingredients but at the wrong dose and may be harmful to your health. During this time of pandemic there are a lot of counterfeiters taking advantage of the growing demands of medicines and vitamins in the market. Thus, Presidential Proclamation No. 8052 dated 15 June 2010, declares every third week of November of every year as the National Consciousness Week against Counterfeit Medicine. This year’s theme is “Sa Gitna ng Pandemya, Magtulungan Laban sa Pekeng Medisina.”
The public is enjoined to be more proactive in the fight against counterfeit medicines. Here are 3 ways to report suspected counterfeit medicines:
1. Report it to the pharmaceutical company indicated in the label or package
2. Report it to FDA by:
Call: (02) 809-55-96
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FDA website thru eReport: www.fda.gov.ph/ereport
3. Report it to your pharmacist or attending healthcare professional.
AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot
References:
1. “National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines” from https://www.facebook.com/notes/department-of-health-philippines/national-consciousness-week-against-counterfeit-medicines-november-21-to-25-2011/320756201275296/
2. “3 ways to report suspected counterfeit medicines” from https://www.facebook.com/FDAPhilippines/photos/a.449938625062197/3592525974136764/
3. “How to spot fake medicines during COVID-19” from https://dailyguardian.com.ph/how-to-spot-fake-medicines-during-covid-19/
