The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public on Monday, Oct. 4, against purchasing counterfeit drug products illegally sold through various means, including online.
FDA Director-General Enrique Domingo issued the warning following the increase in demand of drug products amidst the pandemic.
He particularly warned against transacting with online sellers and those on chat groups who offer medicines, that turned out to be scams.
“Kinukuha lang yung pera, pagkatapos wala namang gamot na makukuha (They just take the money and leave without ordered the medicine),” Domingo said.
Moreover, he said that the agency has caught counterfeit medicines that may cause harm to people.
“Ang gamot ay maaari lamang bilhin sa mga licensed lamang na outlet (The drug can only be purchased at licensed outlets only), meaning through the hospital and licensed pharmacies,” Domingo said in a televised recorded public briefing.
“‘Wag kayong bumili ng gamot sa iba na mga iligal at (Don’t buy drugs from others who are unlicensed and) illegitimate sources because they might be causing harm,” he added.