DOH warns public vs counterfeit medicines, vaccines

MANILA, Philippines, December 5 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) has once again warned the public against fake medicines and vaccines sold online or by unauthorized sellers.

This DOH reminder is in line with Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines, which is an annual observance held during the third week of November, as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 2082. “Report immediately to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] if you notice any suspicious medicine or vaccine: ereport@fda.gov.ph o (02) 8809-5596,” the DOH said in a post on Thursday.

The agency advised the public to be wary of the following signs of counterfeit medicines:

- Error in label or spelling, or suspicious packaging

- Lack ofan FDA batch or lot number, manufacturing, and expiration date

- Different smell and taste of medicine

- Ineffective

- Unlicensed or unauthorized seller /das/abc

Source: inquirer.net