How to identify fake medicines? Things to know

 How to identify fake medicines? Things to know

Recently, the Department of Drug Administration has issued a very urgent notice stating that a fake version of the medicine called ‘Seroflo Rotacap’ has been found in the market. This incident is not limited to one medicine, but rather it indicates that the risk of fake medicines still exists in Nepal.

In such a situation, it is very important for the general public to be aware of what fake medicines are, why they are made, how they are sold, how to recognize them, and how to protect themselves.

The information issued by the Department of Drug Administration has clearly marked the difference between the information and the label details.

What is a fake medicine?

A fake medicine is a medicine that pretends to be manufactured by a genuine company but is not actually manufactured by such a company, is incorrectly labeled, or is deliberately prepared with the intention of deceiving.

The following information issued by the Department of Drug Administration and the label details have been clearly marked to distinguish the difference.

Such medicines: May not contain the necessary active medicinal ingredient, i.e. ‘active ingredient’, may contain too little or too much. The wrong medicine may be mixed, there may be no medicinal ingredients but only starch, chalk, dyes or other cheap substances, and even contaminated or harmful chemicals may be mixed.

This should not be confused with the fact that the quality of the medicine has decreased. Substandard medicines are those that are bad due to manufacturing or storage errors. Counterfeit medicines are deliberately made with the intention of deceiving.

How are they prepared?

Groups that produce counterfeit medicines can imitate the name, logo, packaging, hologram, batch number and expiration date of legitimate pharmaceutical companies. Due to modern printing technology, it can be very difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit at first glance.

In some cases: cheap raw materials are used, they are produced in unsanitary places, there is no quality control and the wrong amount of medicine is kept and the purpose of such production is only financial gain, not the health of the patient.

How does it reach the market?

Counterfeit medicines can reach the market through various means. Such as: illegal import and smuggling, unauthorized sales online or through social media, unlicensed pharmacies, poorly regulated supply chains, low-price selling, etc. Sometimes counterfeit medicines may be sold by reusing genuine medicine packets.

Why is there more of a problem in a country like ours?

According to the World Health Organization, the problem of counterfeit and substandard medicines is relatively more common in low- and middle-income countries. The main reasons for this are: weak regulatory mechanisms, limited inspection and testing capacity, open borders, etc.

Due to the shortage of medicines, the search for alternative sources, lack of public awareness, the expansion of online and informal markets, and the attraction of cheap medicines due to poverty, etc., counterfeit medicines reach the market and are sold.

In a geographically challenging and open border country like Nepal, and in remote areas, the risk may increase as regular supply of medicines is difficult.

How have developed countries controlled it?

Many developed countries digitally monitor the entire journey of medicines from production to patients.

They: place a separate ‘serial number’ on each pack, track it through barcode or QR code. Monitor the entire supply chain of medicines, conduct regular market monitoring, immediately withdraw suspect medicines from the market. Take strict legal action against the production and sale of counterfeit medicines, and conduct regular awareness programs for the public. Such systems have greatly reduced the chances of counterfeit medicines entering the market.

What happens when you consume counterfeit medicines?

The effects of counterfeit medicines can range from mild to very serious. Without the necessary active ingredients of the medicine, the patient’s treatment is not effective and the disease can become more complicated. The condition can worsen, especially in patients with asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or infections.

If the required amount of antibiotics is not present, bacteria can become resistant, which makes treatment difficult in the future. If the wrong or contaminated substance is mixed, it can damage vital organs of the body, including the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. The risk is especially high in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and chronically ill patients, which can even lead to death.

Why is ‘Seroflo Rotacap’ a matter of special concern?

‘Seroflo Rotacap’ is a medicine used regularly by patients with asthma and narrowing of the respiratory tract. If it does not contain the necessary medicinal ingredients or is given in the wrong dosage, the patient may experience: sudden difficulty breathing, increased asthma attacks, emergency hospitalization, and in serious cases, even a risk of death.

Therefore, the presence of counterfeit versions of such medicines in the market is a very serious matter. Let us all be aware of this. Let us all be more aware of such incidents and make it a habit for all responsible citizens to file complaints.

How can patients protect themselves?

Many risks can be reduced by taking simple precautions. Always buy medicines only from registered official pharmacies. Do not buy medicines without the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Be aware of extremely cheap prices, check whether the packaging, seal, expiration date, batch number are clear.

Do not use if there is unusual spelling, printing errors or doubt about the quality of the packet, do not use it, if the color, shape, smell or taste of the medicine is unusual Stop using drugs, keep the bill or proof of purchase safe. If in doubt, consult the nearest pharmacist or doctor and immediately inform the Department of Drug Administration. You can also clearly see the counterfeit drugs that are appearing now. There are different colors. The commas, full stops are different.

Role of the pharmacist

Pharmacists are not only the ones who distribute drugs, they are the first defenders of drug safety. They can: help in identifying real and fake drugs, advise patients on the correct use of drugs, report suspicious drugs to the relevant authorities, and spread public awareness about safe drug use. So let's make it a habit to seek advice from pharmacists who are more knowledgeable about drugs.

Shared responsibility of government and society

Controlling counterfeit drugs is not only the responsibility of the government. In this: drug manufacturers, importers, distributors, pharmacies, health workers, media and the general public, we all have an equal role. Only a secure supply chain, effective market monitoring, state-of-the-art testing laboratories, strict legal action and extensive public awareness programs can control such a problem. So let's always be vigilant.

Counterfeit medicines are not only an economic crime but also a serious public health crime.

This recent incident has raised awareness that special care should be taken when purchasing medicines.