21 types of counterfeit drugs, 4 of which are licensed for circulation

fake medicine - Photo 1.

Police inspect fake drug warehouse - Photo: CACC

Counterfeit drugs pose a health risk and are dangerous to patients. What should we do if a medicine becomes harmful?

Counterfeiting a popular antibiotic

The Drug Administration of Vietnam said that among the 21 counterfeit drugs seized by Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, four were identified as counterfeit drugs licensed for circulation by the Ministry of Health, including: Tetracycline, Clorocid, Pharcoter and Neo-Codion. The rest were a fake bone and joint treatment product and thousands of boxes of imported "health protection" drugs with other disease prevention uses, not on the list of drugs licensed for circulation by the Ministry of Health.

At the factory where the products were manufactured and hidden, authorities seized 44 boxes of Tetracycline, 40 boxes of Clorocid, 49 boxes of Pharcoter, and 52 boxes of Neo-Codion - counterfeit drugs licensed by the Ministry of Health for medical purposes.

From 2021 until now, it is unknown how many patients have "mistakenly purchased" this fake product, and are not aware of the effects. According to Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, the group making fake drugs has sold a large amount of fake drugs to the market, with an estimated illegal profit of nearly 200 billion VND.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre, Dr. Doan Du Manh, a member of the Vietnam Vascular Association, said that 2 out of 4 of these fake drugs are drugs to treat respiratory diseases, including common antibiotics. In fact, people with respiratory diseases often have the habit of buying antibiotics themselves - this is also the reason why people produce fake antibiotics.

How dangerous is taking this fake medicine?

According to Dr. Manh, for example, Tetracycline TW3 tablets (Tetracycline hydrochloride 250mg) are tetracycline antibiotics, which have bacteriostatic and sometimes bactericidal effects on sensitive bacteria. Used to treat infections caused by sensitive bacteria such as respiratory tract infections (pneumonia, bronchitis); skin infections (acne, cellulitis); urinary tract infections, digestive tract infections, or Rickettsia (jungle malaria) and some sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis if allergic to penicillin).

Clorocid TW3 tablets (Chloramphenicol 250mg) are bacteriostatic antibiotics that can kill bacteria at high concentrations against sensitive bacteria. The drug is used in cases of severe infections caused by sensitive bacteria.

"The risk of using the first two counterfeit drugs is that they will not be effective in treating infections, leading to failure in treating infections, which is especially dangerous for serious illnesses such as pneumonia or sepsis.

In addition, counterfeit drugs may contain toxic impurities, causing liver and kidney damage or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, shock). They can also increase antibiotic resistance because using counterfeit drugs with insufficient active ingredients can make bacteria resistant to drugs, making future treatment more difficult.

Serious consequences for acute diseases, missing the golden treatment time can lead to serious complications or death," Dr. Manh stated.

Pharcoter tablets (Codein base 10mg; Terpin hydrate 100mg) and Neo-Codion are both cough suppressants and expectorants, used in cases of dry coughs and coughs caused by irritation (such as colds, sore throats). Helps clear the airways by thinning phlegm (thanks to terpin hydrate). Codeine is a mild narcotic, has a cough suppressant and mild pain reliever effect, and should only be used with a doctor's prescription.

The risk of using counterfeit drugs is that the patient will not be able to control the symptoms. Counterfeit drugs do not contain codeine or terpin hydrate, leading to persistent cough, discomfort, affecting the quality of life. The risk from impurities can contain fake addictive substances or toxins, causing neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, or organ damage.

Risk of abuse if counterfeit drugs contain uncontrolled narcotics, which can cause addiction or overdose (risk of respiratory failure). Indirect complications include prolonged untreated cough that can aggravate underlying diseases (pneumonia, chronic bronchitis).

"In particular, some counterfeit drugs, especially bone and joint drugs, may contain corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone) of unknown origin, causing osteoporosis, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, adrenal insufficiency, or Cushing's syndrome if used for a long time. Patients lose faith in treatment, spend a lot of money without improving their condition," said Dr. Manh.

Do not buy hand-carried drugs or buy them through social networks.

Mr. Ta Manh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health, recommends that people should buy medicine at legal, registered pharmacies, instead of through social networks or through acquaintances.