Author: Leandro Tavares

Source: O Debate - Belo Horizonte / MG - 12/07/2010

The majority of the population does not even know it, but essential health products, medicines, have been an increasingly common target of piracy. However, unlike when a person buys a pirated video game or DVD, anyone who consumes a pirated drug does not even imagine that they are being victimized by this crime.

According to data from ANVISA, in 2008, 216 tons of medicines and around one thousand boxes of irregular pills were seized. By the end of November 2009, 329,5 tons of medicines and more than 30 thousand boxes of pills had been seized, resulting in the seizure of 168 people. This significant increase is a strong indication that the problem is expanding.

In the same way that enforcement is intensifying, the means of advertising and distributing pirated products reach more and more people. Antidepressants and drugs against sexual impotence are constantly offered via the internet via spam. Anabolic steroids and over-the-counter abortions are also in high demand. Medicines are sold in street vendors and there are even records of counterfeit drugs found in pharmacies. Public awareness is the most efficient weapon against these crimes.

In August 2009, four counterfeit drug factories were discovered in Colombia. From there, the drugs were sent to Bolivia, from where they went on trucks to Cuiabá (MT) and, later, were distributed in several Brazilian capitals. In these factories, it was found that the raw materials used were essentially flour and baking soda. The pills and ampoules were fakes of famous brands of important medicines, used to treat cancer and hypertension.

The main measures to be taken to avoid using counterfeit drugs are:

- never buy medicines at fairs or street vendors

- always require invoice

- see a doctor if you notice that the medicine is not working

- check the integrity of the packaging. Pay attention to the general condition, in addition to checking if there is all the information: name of the drug, batch, expiration date, name of the responsible pharmacist and registration number with the Ministry of Health

- check if the medicine has package insert and if it is original or photocopy, if there are many spelling errors

- check the security devices (seals and scratch cards)

- pay attention to the size of the letters, colors and the general appearance of the medicine, comparing with batches used previously.

Fortunately, changes are expected: this year the implementation of a monitoring system is capable of tracking the entire production chain of medicines, from manufacturers to retail. This would be done through a database and codes printed on the boxes. Each company participating in the chain would have to enter their information in the database when they received the product. The forecast is that in 2012 even doctors will be involved in this system, so that ANVISA can check discrepancies between the number of prescriptions issued and the sales of a certain drug, for example.

While this system is not yet efficient, we must be alert and report any suspected irregularity to the Health Dial (0800-611997). Another way is to call the Health Department or, even, the customer service of the laboratory that manufactures the suspect medicine. Piracy affects everyone around us, including friends and family. We cannot omit ourselves! And information is our greatest protection.

* Leandro Tavares is a chemist and sales coordinator at Bioagri Laboratórios.

About the Bioagri Group

Bioagri is a group of companies providing analytical services, first established in Piracicaba-SP, in 1991. Currently, it is the largest private laboratory in Latin America in its segment, formed by 12 units distributed in Brazil, with approximately 25.000 m2 useful laboratory area and more than 700 employees.

The Group offers a range of differentiated and diversified services in highly complex analyzes, in eight operating segments: Environmental, Agrochemicals, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Sanitizing, Cosmetics, Veterinary and Biofuels.

The company maintains a partnership with Silliker, a world leader in food analysis. Installed in the USA, it is controlled by the century-old French company Mérieux Alliance, which develops solutions for food security.

Source: Novità Strategic Communication