The distribution of counterfeit medicines during the current peak in respiratory illnesses has caused a health alarm in Colombia. The National Food and Drug Monitoring Institute (Invima) warns of the presence and illegal sale of a product identified as “Noxpirin Plus Capsule Lot 15890724 FV 07-2026”, whose marketing represents a risk to public health.
Invima found that this batch showed significant differences compared to the original drug. Some of the irregularities observed include variations in package color, brightness, and layout. It likewise includes typographical changes, coding changes, primary packaging technology changes, and physical changes to the capsule. These discrepancies result in no guarantee of product quality, safety, or effectiveness.
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Health authorities have classified this batch as a counterfeit and fraudulent product, as its composition, origin and storage conditions are unknown, in accordance with current regulations. Due to lack of information, no guarantees can be made regarding its safety and effectiveness.
“According to the information provided by Laboratorios Siegfried SAS, the holder of the health register, Invima has been duly notified as it has been confirmed that there are products on the market with fraudulent use of its brand and batch data. Counterfeiting of medicines not only deceives consumers, but also puts health at risk.” We urge the public to always check their health records and refrain from purchasing products of questionable authenticity,” William Soza, Invima’s director of medicines and biologics, said in a press release.
Faced with this scenario, Invima advised the public to refrain from purchasing or consuming products, always check the authenticity of medicines, and if purchased, immediately stop using them. It also urged people to report any adverse events related to consumption. “The public must immediately stop using the product and report any adverse events,” the institute emphasized.
And he added: “Similarly, the public is also urged to check the authenticity of products before consuming them. View your health record in the Health Record Consultation section of the Invima website.
The organization was scientific and technical in nature and issued specific instructions to the competent health authorities, requiring inspections, monitoring of points of sale, removal of counterfeit batches, and notification of findings. He called on health care providers (IPS) to instruct them to stop taking it and to provide information about the risks that may be associated with it. Commercial facilities were ordered to refrain from sales.
“Instruct patients using the product to immediately stop taking the product and inform them of the potential health risks. Inform Invima about the availability of the product, including any information provided by the patient about where and how it was purchased.”
Similarly, he warned commercial establishments to avoid distributing counterfeit medicines as this carries fines and legal liability..
“Invima warns that you should refrain from distributing or selling this counterfeit product, as its commercialization may imply health and safety measures obligations.”
Similarly, he called for pharmacovigilance programs to step up active surveillance of side effects associated with this drug. He recalled that health record references can be carried out through official platforms, making it easier to verify the authenticity of medicines.
“Invima invites the institution’s pharmacovigilance program to step up its active investigation of possible side effects associated with this counterfeit product and report to the laboratory in a timely manner.”
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