The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued on Sept. 14 a public warning against purchasing and using counterfeit drugs that have not been subjected to its stringent evaluation process.

In its advisory, FDA identified eight counterfeit drug products that were labeled "unsafe for use."

These include Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide/Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride/Paracetamol (Tuseran®Forte) [Reformulated] 15 mg/25 mg/325 mg Capsule, Ibuprofen/Paracetamol (Alaxan®FR) 200 mg/325 mg Capsule, Loperamide Hydrochloride (Diatabs®) 2 mg Capsule, Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal®) 500 mg Film-Coated tablet, Loperamide Hydrochloride (Lomotil®) 2 mg Capsule, Mefenamic Acid (Gardan) 500 mg tablet, Paracetamol (Biogesic) 500 mg Tablet, and Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride + Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Paracetamol (Decolgen Forte) 25 mg/2 mg/500 mg Tablet.

The FDA's warning extends to healthcare professionals as well as the general public, urging caution due to the prevalence of counterfeit drug products on the market.

“These products pose a serious risk of potential harm or injury to consumers,” it said.

To ensure safety, consumers are reminded to purchase drug products exclusively from FDA-licensed establishments.

The FDA also noted that those found selling these counterfeit drug products will face penalties under the law.

All concerned establishments and entities, as per the FDA, are strongly advised against distributing those mentioned violative drug products until they have obtained the necessary authorization.

Failure to comply will result in regulatory actions and sanctions being pursued vigorously by the FDA, it said. (Zekinah Elize Espina)