Courtesy: FDA

MANILA — Be on the lookout for fake versions of pain reliever medicine, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised the public this month.

The FDA in its latest public health warning issued July 4 said counterfeit versions of popular paracetamol brand Biogesic were being sold.

“All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of this counterfeit drug product in the market which pose potential danger or injury to consumers,” the FDA said.

How to spot fake Biogesic meds according to Unilab

While similar at first glance, the fake medicine’s lot number, capsule, knurling or the ridges on the packaging, and print appearance are “not comparable” with that of the registered product, the advisory said.

Consumers should only buy drug products from FDA-licensed establishments, it added.

Those found selling counterfeits will face penalties, the FDA said, calling on local governments and law enforcement to ensure the fake products are not available in their areas.

Instances of selling unregistered medicines or health products can be reported to the FDA’s Center for Drug Regulation and Research at (02) 8809-5596 or via email to ereport@fda.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, drug manufacturer United Laboratories (Unilab) said consumers could also reach out to them to report suspected fake medicines with the following details: lot/batch number and expiry date, date of purchase, details of the establishment or online store where the product was purchased, and clear photos of the items.

In 2022, the FDA attributed the spread of fake medicines to social media and online shopping apps where many are being sold.

FDA raises alarm on fake medicines
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