Manila City Council warns public vs fake medicines
The Manila City Council (MCC) has warned the public on Wednesday, Sept. 27, against fake medicines being sold in some drugs stores in the city.
The council cautioned the public on the potential health risks associated with the consumption of counterfeit version of the nine commonly bought medicines:
- 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
- Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol
- (Decolgen Forte) 25mg /2mg /500 mg tablet
These are common over the counter (OTC) medications for common colds, cough, flu and body pains.
MCC also passed a resolution last Sept. 21, requiring the appropriate committee to conduct an investigation into the sale and distribution of counterfeit drug products identified by the FDA.

The resolution was filed by Manila Second District Councilor Numero G. Lim. It urged committees to provide input such as recommendations for the enactment of ordinances that would impose stricter penalties for people involved in the distribution of fake drug products .
The resolution also sought improvement in the monitoring and regulation of drug products sold in the city.
"The continued presence of these counterfeit drug products in the local market pose health hazards to all the constituents of the City of Manila. And It is the duty and responsibility of the local government to safeguard the well being and welfare of its constituents," the council said.
The Food and Drug Administration(FDA) also said the counterfeit drug products are “unsafe for use."
Meanwhile, the council invited representatives from the FDA, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the investigation and provide insights and expert advices on addressing the issue.