BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) cautions the public against the purchase and use of fake or counterfeit medicines.
Counterfeit medicines, as described by BGHMC Pharmacist III Raymond Dagwasi, are medicines that have the correct ingredients but are provided in incorrect amounts or with the wrong ingredients, leading to incompatibility in making the product.
Counterfeit medicines may also have no active ingredients resulting in medicine having no effects. Insufficient quantity of active ingredients may also result in a reduction in the drug’s safety, efficacy, quality, strength, or purity.
Dagwasi said consuming such may result in unexpected side effects, allergic reactions, or worsening of medical conditions that may result in death.
“Being vigilant is essential to be able to prevent serious health risks,” he emphasized.
“Being vigilant is essential to be able to prevent serious health risks,” he emphasized.
Dagwasi urged the public to be cautious when purchasing medicines, advising them to buy from reputable sources or licensed stores, and to be circumspect especially in online stores.
“’Wag maniwala sa mga good to be true deal or promos … Knowledge is your best medicine,” he said.
Dagwasi advised that it is also best to check for proper packaging and labeling and make sure that it is sealed or unaltered and that all the names, including the brand, are correct.
It is also important to verify the manufacturing batch numbers. Some manufacturers have a website for you to check and verify the batch number. You can examine the medicine itself, confirm its authenticity with regulatory authorities, or verify it online, he said.
Dagwasi advised the public to check the website of the Food and Drug Administration for information. He also reminded the public to support policies against counterfeits by reporting suspected counterfeits to the authorities.
The third week of November each year was declared National Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 2082, which is also in line with Republic Act No. 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs. This aims to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
Meanwhile, the third week is the observance of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week which aims to educate the public about antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of resistant pathogens.
These resistant pathogens can modify their structures and combat antibiotics. We should follow the strict “no prescription, no antimicrobial dispensing policy’ and that we should not share our medicines with other people even though we have the same symptoms. If you feel like there is something wrong, consult your doctors, Dagwasi reminded. **JDP/DEG-PIA CAR/Santi Tomas, SLU Intern
