The Philippines Department of Health numbers put the amount of fake or counterfeit drugs in the country at 10 percent. And that figure is probably on the low side since this it is based only on reported cases to the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
And the Philippines is not the only country where this potentially deadly problem exists, no country is immune. And its big business. Worldwide, the “business” of counterfeit medicine is estimated at $75 billion according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The main sources of counterfeit medicines worldwide are China and India. Pakistan and other nations are also big suppliers.
The Coalition Against Fake Medicines or Samahan Laban sa Pekeng Gamot are working to eliminate counterfeit medicines. Dr Maria Minerva Calimag, Samahan spokesperson, says “National Consciousness Week against Fake Medicines” is celebrated the third week of November and wants to bring this problem to the public’s attention.
She makes some recommendations to the consumer public:
First, she advises to examine the label and the packaging carefully. Also check the color and texture of the medicine. The FDA says the fake drugs labeling may not be clear or easily erased. Some drugs may be powdery when they should be solid. If anything looks out of the ordinary or if the price of the drug is much lower than usual, have it checked out.
Also, only buy pharmaceuticals from an FDA-licensed pharmacy.
These drugs are exceedingly dangerous. Not enough, too much or the wrong active ingredients could affect the treatment ending tragically. It is estimated that 700,000 people die annually from infectious diseases after taking fake and counterfeit drugs.
So be a smart consumer and only buy your medicines from licensed, reputable pharmacies.
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