Maria Inês Dolci: The threat of pirated remedies
Author: Maria Inês Dolci
Source: Folha de S. Paulo, 27/06/2009
OF ALL counterfeiting crimes, drug production is at the top of the list. Imagine a hypertensive person who, instead of taking a medication that helps to reduce blood pressure to levels considered safe, consumes a counterfeit product. She may, as a result, have a stroke or other type of stroke, with serious health consequences.
The Ministry of Health has a booklet with several tips on how to avoid inadvertently buying a fake medicine. The main advice is to buy medicines only with a prescription and never buy them from street vendors, the internet or at fairs.
Requiring and keeping the invoice works more in case the consumer later finds out that the medication did not work. The note indicates where the purchase occurred. Therefore, it facilitates the identification of who sold and who manufactured.
So there are no pirated drugs in pharmacies?
Unfortunately, there is. Last year, for example, medicines were seized in pharmacies in Mato Grosso, purchased in Paraguay and Bolivia. Products were found with little or no active ingredient. That is, without the main ingredient to actually fight the illnesses to which the drugs were destined.
So, don't just buy at the right place. It is important to check aspects such as seal, original package insert, manufacturer's name, date of manufacture.
The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) estimates that 20% of medicines sold in Brazil are pirated, smuggled or without registration.
A terrible risk. The damage that this type of product does to health can be irreversible.
But you, the reader, can and should help the authorities to combat this type of piracy. First, don't self-medicate. Also, think about it: a product will always have an average market price. If it is being sold for much below average, it is likely to be a copy or a placebo (an ineffective drug, which may have some psychological effect, only).
With health do not play.
If you notice any violation of the packaging or seal, immediately inform Anvisa (www.anvisa.gov.br). Or the nearest police station.
Again, we realize that the urge to take advantage facilitates blows against our rights and our own lives.
Compare prices, sign up for discount programs for preferred and retired customers, or health insurance plans. But don't buy drugs without a safe source.
Buying products without invoices is already a condemnable attitude in itself. In the case of medication, it can cost your health, and even your life and that of your family members.
