FDA reminds public against fake medicines

DAVAO CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reminded the public to be cautious in buying medical products, noting that counterfeit or fake medicines continue to proliferate.

The warning came as part of the continuing nationwide advocacy efforts of FDA which recently culminated the National Consciousness Week against Counterfeit Medicines last week.

FDA Mindanao East Cluster OIC Jesusa Joyce Cirunay emphasized that the public should always make sure that they buy good quality, clean, safe, genuine and FDA-registered medical products from registered pharmacies or drug outlets.

“Our continuing drive against counterfeit medicines intends to protect the public from the dangers of fake drugs,” Cirunay said during the culmination of consciousness week in Davao City, which bannered the national theme: “Kapakanan ng Pamilya Alagaan, Huwad na Gamot Labanan.”

FDA has said that fake medicines have harmful effects on the health, and in worst case scenario can kill patients.

Cirunay said FDA has caused the closing down of several stores in the country including Mindanao, which were not licensed to sell drugs.

“Even if it’s only one store selling medicines illegally, it’s still very alarming because it may put many people’s life in danger. That’s why we also keep on monitoring establishments engaged in selling medical products,” Cirunay stated.

She further urged the public to report to FDA if the medicines they have bought are not FDA-registered. “When in doubt, they could check the FDA website where all registered drugs as well as vaccines and biological products, food products and food supplements are listed.”

In an effort to step up the campaign against counterfeit medicines, FDA Mindanao East Cluster has engaged with other national government agencies, local government and the private sector.

Officials and representatives from various NGAs, LGUs, academe and private pharmacies have pledged to support and take part in combating the proliferation of fake medicines for the next five years.

Among the commitments included the strengthening and capacity building of national and regional regulatory authorities and quality control laboratories, and engaging in communication, education and awareness raising efforts.

The law enforcement agencies such as the Police have pledged to collaborate on surveillance monitoring.

Cirunay clarified though that the crusade against counterfeit medicines will not end in 2019, stating “It’s a continuing process because there will be more Filipinos, more generations to come.”

Every third week of November of every year is declared as the National Consciousness Week against Counterfeit Medicines through Presidential Proclamation No 2082 of 2010 which stated that almost 10 percent of medicines available in the country are counterfeit. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)