Press Release
August 2, 2009

Pia: Beware of fake antiflu vaccines and counterfeit medicines

Filipinos should guard against the proliferation of counterfeit medicines in the country, and more people should be made aware of the dangers that these illegal substances pose to public health.

Thus warned Senator Pia S. Cayetano, as she hailed the recent seizure by authorities of P4 million worth of fake anti-flu vaccines in Laguna and the arrest of a former medical representative who allegedly tried to sell the fake vaccine, which was actually mineral water placed inside vials and syringes.

"The problem of fake medicines is very real and apparently widespread. People should immediately report suspected fake drugs to concerned authorities. We have to step up efforts to raise public awareness on this problem," said Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice.

The lady senator is also the spokesperson of the "Samahan Laban sa Pekeng Gamot" (SLPG), a multi-sectoral coalition which seeks to raise awareness on the proliferation and dangers of counterfeit medicines.

"These unscrupulous people who manufacture, sell and distribute counterfeit medicines are able to enrich themselves by putting the health of other people at risk. They can be made liable under Republic Act 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs," she explained.

She added that concerned citizens can report any information on counterfeit medicines through the SLPG's website www.fakemed.ph or by calling its hotline at 1-800-10-FAKEMED (3253-633) toll free from anywhere in the country.

Cayetano explained that a counterfeit drug, as defined by the SPLG, may contain incorrect or insufficient amounts of active ingredients thereby reducing its safety, efficacy or purity. It may also refer to medicinal products which are deliberately and fraudulently mislabeled with respect to identity and source. The safety of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is compromised because their manufacturing process are not regulated or inspected by authorities such as the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD).

She noted that the most common signs of fake medicines include: (1) brand name is bigger than generic name; (2) the capsule or ampoule is discolored or disfigured; (3) the tablet is brittle or easily breakable; and (4) the label does not bear BFAD registration.

The senator and the SLPG have been conducting seminars around the country to educate people how to spot and report fake medicines to authorities.

The senator is also looking forward to the long due-enactment of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Act of 2010. The measure seeks to reconstitute BFAD into the FDA and strengthen its regulatory capacity to go after counterfeit medicines and violative health products. Already ratified by both the House and the Senate, the enrolled bill has been transmitted to Malacanang for the President's signature.

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