Things people need to know to avoid buying fake drugs

For prescription drugs, the Ministry of Health recommends that people only buy drugs with a doctor's prescription - Photo: VGP/TH

Beware of drugs sold online

From July 1, when Law No. 44/2024 amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Pharmacy comes into effect, a number of new drugs (non-prescription drugs) will be traded (retailed) via e-commerce on e-commerce trading floors, e-commerce sales applications, and e-commerce sales websites with online ordering functions.

Accordingly, the Drug Administration of Vietnam reminded people that after July 1, if buying medicine online, people should only buy medicine on websites licensed to sell medicine online; do not buy through social networking platforms or individual sellers with unknown identities.

When buying medicine at pharmacies and drugstores, people should only buy medicine at licensed, reputable places with clear addresses. Do not buy from unclear sources such as markets, street vendors or through social networking sites, livestreams...

The Ministry of Health also noted that people need to check the packaging and information on the drug packaging such as the packaging must be intact, not torn, blurred or showing signs of editing. Check information such as the drug name, batch number, production date, expiry date, registration number, manufacturer name. This information must be clear, not erased.

Also, compare with the original packaging (if available) to detect differences in color, printing or logo. Observe the color, size, symbols on the pill, medicine box, if there is a difference compared to the previous use or compared to the original description, do not use.

Use a barcode/QR code scanner app to check product information (if there is a barcode/QR code printed on the box, the code cannot be scanned or the information does not match, be suspicious).

Buy medicine need invoice and pay attention to unusual prices

When buying medicine, people need to ask for a purchase invoice to ensure the origin. The invoice is also the basis for complaints if counterfeit medicine is detected.

Counterfeit drugs are often sold at unusually low prices to attract buyers. If the price is too low compared to the market, people need to be cautious. At the same time, avoid believing in advertisements for "miracle drugs" or drugs of unknown origin sold online or by word of mouth.

If you discover signs of counterfeit drugs, you should immediately report them to the authorities such as the Department of Health, the Drug Administration or the local police for handling. If you have purchased counterfeit drugs, stop using them immediately and contact a medical facility for advice. Using counterfeit drugs can cause serious health risks.

To find information from official sources, people should look up drug information on the website of the Drug Administration of Vietnam (dav.gov.vn) or reputable websites of manufacturers, or consult a doctor or pharmacist before buying. For prescription drugs, only buy drugs with a doctor's prescription.

How to look up licensed drug information

The Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health guides people and businesses to look up information on drug circulation registration certificates.

Specifically, step 1: Access the online public service system of the Department of Drug Administration, Drug Registration section, look up the registration number, at the address: https://dichvucong.dav.gov.vn/congbothuoc/index

Step 2: Look up drug registration papers and drug ingredients circulating in Vietnam, enter the drug information you need to find (can be searched by drug name, manufacturing facility, registration facility, drug circulation registration number, ...)

Select "Search for registration number". Fill in all information: Registration number (VD-…, VN-…, QLSP-…) or drug name (Paracetamol, Augmentin, …). Click the "Search" button to display the results.

Step 3: Compare and check the results. The system will provide complete information about the drug in the columns of drug name, registration number, dosage form, active ingredient, content, registration and manufacturing facility; see the sample label and instructions for use of the drug approved by the Drug Administration in the column of Instructions for use/label sample.

Thuy Ha

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nhung-luu-y-nguoi-dan-can-biet-de-tranh-mua-thuoc-gia-102250418131317472.htm