6 popular OTC drugs have counterfeits – FDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against purchasing counterfeit versions of six popular over-the-counter medicines.

Brand-name drugs with counterfeit versions are Medicol Advance, Bioflu, Tuseran Forte, Kremil-S, Alaxan FR and Biogesic.

“All health care professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of these counterfeit drug products in the market, which poses potential danger or injury to consumers,” the FDA said in a recent advisory.

The FDA also cautioned establishments and drug outlets not to sell or dispense counterfeit products.

The importation, sale or offering for sale of such products violates the law, the agency maintained.

“Anyone found selling the said counterfeit drug products will be penalized,” it pointed out.

The FDA urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that these products are not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction.

Consumers should purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments, it added.