The Food and Drug Administration shows a comparison of fake and authentic medicines. FDA

MANILA — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned the public against the purchase and use of counterfeit pain relievers, flu and cough medicines, and hyperacidity pills circulating in the market.

The fake products, which the FDA says "pose potential danger or injury to consumers," use the brand names of products manufactured by local pharmaceutical company Unilab.

The FDA in 2 separate advisories dated May 17 but only released recently warned the public against the fake versions of Biogesic, Medicol Advance, Alaxan FR, Bioflu, Tuseran Forte, and Kremil S, which are some of the widely used over-the-counter drugs in the Philippines.

"All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of these counterfeit drug products in the market," the regulatory agency said.

"Consumers are also reminded to purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments," it said.

WARNING TO DRUG STORES

The FDA said drug stores that sell counterfeit products would be penalized under the law.

"The importation, selling or offering for sale of such is in direct violation of Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs," the agency said.

It also urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to check that these illegal products are not being sold in their areas.

HOW TO SPOT FAKE MEDS

In a Facebook post on Monday, Unilab shared a guide on how to spot counterfeit versions of medicines.

It said customers should check the medicines' color, shape, and taste or if they are already degrading.

The company urged the public to watch out for misspellings, tampered or substandard packaging, and inconsistent printing, including "too low or unbelievably cheap" prices.

Unilab noted that counterfeit drugs "pose great danger to patients, as aside from having no positive effect at all, these fake medicines could also worsen their conditions, or even lead to fatal results." 

"Through the years, we have continuously collaborated with the FDA, the National Bureau of Investigation and Intellectual Property Office, to prevent the perpetration of this criminal act.  We remain committed to working with the government and non-government organizations in protecting the welfare of Filipinos," it added.