Source: Diário do Nordeste (CE), 28/06/2009

The chain that drives the illegal sale of contraband, counterfeit or psychoactive drugs without retaining a prescription is the same that maintains drug trafficking and organized crime. “What exists is a real chain involving this clandestine trade, from the smuggling of counterfeit drugs and a distribution network. They are drugs of greater added value, such as anabolic steroids, remedies for erectile dysfunction, such as Pramil, or for weight loss, such as sibutramine or Desobesi ”. The complaint comes from the president of the Regional Pharmacy Council of the State of Ceará (CRF-CE), Marize Girão.

According to her, the strong official control exercised in the market and the question of price, parallel to the disclosure of the benefits and wonders caused by these drugs, makes the population seek illegal drugs without even being sure of their origin.

Marize Girão informs that the CRC receives reports of illegal sale of medicines related to the professional field. She says that the Penal Code, in Article 282, typifies the illegal exercise of Pharmacy as a crime, subject to detention.

“Based on complaints, we have, mainly in the interior of the State, inspected and detected the sale of medicines in markets, stores, fairs. We even receive complaints from distributors that do this trade, even those that distribute other products, such as foodstuffs, which end up bringing some items of medicines in transportation, which is also illegal ”, he explains.

The president of CRF-CE reports that they received complaints from the warehouse area of ​​Rua Governador Sampaio that there is a focus on the sale of medicines in retail for grocery stores. “We have already carried out inspections but have not been able to detect them. Through the CRF, we do not have access to invoices, to enter the establishment to investigate it ”, he said.

She guarantees that she has already requested the Sanitary Surveillance of the Municipality of Fortaleza to carry out a joint inspection so that they can do a scan. For that, according to Marize Girão, the participation of other bodies, such as the police and the Finance Secretariat, would be necessary.

“Behind the clandestine sale, there is a whole chain of illegality, ranging from the issue of stolen cargo, tax evasion, involvement with crime. It is more than a public health issue, ”he said.

ESCAPE OF FAKE

Only take medications on prescription from your doctor to avoid surprises with wrong doses, unforeseen effects or even aggravate a disease by taking a wrong medication without effect;

Never buy medicines at fairs and street vendors, but only at pharmacies and drugstores, preferably those you already know;

A lot of attention with promotions and sales: very low prices may indicate that the medicine has a doubtful origin, no guarantee of quality or even a stolen product;

Check the medicine packaging if there is an expiration date, if the name is well printed and can be read easily, if there are no tears, erasures or any information that has been erased or scraped and if the registration number with the Ministry of Health is included;

Always demand the invoice and keep it with you, in addition to the packaging, carton or bottle of the medicine. They are your proof, in case of irregularity, for you to file a complaint.

SOURCE: National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa)