FDA warns consumers against proliferation of fake over-the-counter medicines
Published Nov 25, 2018 06:22 pm
By Analou de Vera
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the consumers on Sunday against the proliferation of fake over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
FDA Director Nela Charade Puno said counterfeit OTC medicines may pose serious health risks when consumed.
"The presence, proliferation and selling of counterfeit OTC medicines in the market poses great danger and health risks to consumers," said Puno.
"The public should be wary and vigilant against those fake OTC meds. Consumers should buy them only from reputable drug stores," she added.
The FDA official issued the advisory after the agency was able to arrest an alleged distributor and supplier of fake drugs named Alexis Asistio, 36, in his residence in Tondo, Manila recently.
FDA - Regulatory Enforcement Unit head Allen Bantolo said Asistio was caught in possession and control of assorted counterfeit medicines "for no other purpose other than illicit distribution, sale and offering for sale of said drugs."
"Asistio and his cohorts are believed to be distributing and selling these assorted fake OTC products to sari-sari and other similar small stores in and around Metro Manila at cheap prices, and offering substantial profits for the vulnerable and uninformed storeowners," said Bantolo.
Bantolo said seized from Asistio were 298 boxes of Bioflu (100 tabs/per box); 200 boxes of Biogesic (500 tabs/box); 195 boxes of Alaxan FR (100 tabs/box); 395 boxes of Medicol Advance (100 tabs/box); 148 boxes of Neozep Forte (100 tabs/box); 48 boxes of Solmux (100 tabs/box); 18 boxes of Kremil S (100 tabs/box); 8 boxes Dolfenal (100 tabs/box); 8 boxes Flanax Forte (250 tabs/box); 5 boxes Gardan (200 tabs/box); 3 boxes Imodium (200 tabs/box); and 4 pcs. Dermovate ointment.
Charges have already been filed against Asistio at the Manila City Prosecutors Office for violation of Section 4 subsection (a) in relation to subsection (b) of Republic Act No. 8203 or the Special Laws on Counterfeit Drugs, said Bantolo.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
FDA Director Nela Charade Puno said counterfeit OTC medicines may pose serious health risks when consumed.
"The presence, proliferation and selling of counterfeit OTC medicines in the market poses great danger and health risks to consumers," said Puno.
"The public should be wary and vigilant against those fake OTC meds. Consumers should buy them only from reputable drug stores," she added.
The FDA official issued the advisory after the agency was able to arrest an alleged distributor and supplier of fake drugs named Alexis Asistio, 36, in his residence in Tondo, Manila recently.
FDA - Regulatory Enforcement Unit head Allen Bantolo said Asistio was caught in possession and control of assorted counterfeit medicines "for no other purpose other than illicit distribution, sale and offering for sale of said drugs."
"Asistio and his cohorts are believed to be distributing and selling these assorted fake OTC products to sari-sari and other similar small stores in and around Metro Manila at cheap prices, and offering substantial profits for the vulnerable and uninformed storeowners," said Bantolo.
Bantolo said seized from Asistio were 298 boxes of Bioflu (100 tabs/per box); 200 boxes of Biogesic (500 tabs/box); 195 boxes of Alaxan FR (100 tabs/box); 395 boxes of Medicol Advance (100 tabs/box); 148 boxes of Neozep Forte (100 tabs/box); 48 boxes of Solmux (100 tabs/box); 18 boxes of Kremil S (100 tabs/box); 8 boxes Dolfenal (100 tabs/box); 8 boxes Flanax Forte (250 tabs/box); 5 boxes Gardan (200 tabs/box); 3 boxes Imodium (200 tabs/box); and 4 pcs. Dermovate ointment.
Charges have already been filed against Asistio at the Manila City Prosecutors Office for violation of Section 4 subsection (a) in relation to subsection (b) of Republic Act No. 8203 or the Special Laws on Counterfeit Drugs, said Bantolo.