Source: Bom dia Brasil - RJ - 19/08/2009

See some precautions to avoid buying stolen or counterfeit drugs

 

Safe packaging - Some simple precautions can avoid buying a counterfeit medicine. The first step is to purchase the product only in pharmacies or drugstores, as only these establishments have authorization and pharmacists to deal with medicines. If the user is used to using a certain medication, it is important to be aware of changes in the packaging. In case of suspicion, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer's laboratory, the local Health Surveillance or call the Health Dial, through the free telephone service 0800-61-1997. A technology present in all medicine packaging is also a great ally when it comes to preventing fraud. Better known as “scratch cards”, the medicine boxes have a blank space that must be scraped off with a piece of metal such as clips or a coin. If the product is genuine, the mark of the producing laboratory will appear. If it is false, the ink will come out until the cardboard box is torn.

Clandestine products - In addition to thefts and counterfeits, the manufacture of clandestine drugs worries health authorities in Brazil. Clandestines are drugs that do not have registration with Anvisa and therefore have not been evaluated for quality, efficiency and safety. In practice it is like taking a pill, for example, without guarantee of its composition.

Be careful!

- Only take medicines prescribed by the doctor. The use of medicines without medical guidance encourages illegal sales, in addition to the irrational (inappropriate) use of these products.

- Never buy medicines at fairs and street vendors;

- Always demand the invoice from the pharmacy or drugstore. It is the consumer's guarantee in case of future problems;

- Keep the packaging and carton or bottle of the medicine being used. They are important subsidies for assisting the police and health surveillance in the event of irregularities;

- If the medicine stops working, seek medical attention immediately.

At the time of purchase ...

Check the medicine packaging for:

- If the expiration date is stated;

- If the name of the product is well printed and can be easily read;

- If there are no tears, erasures, violations or any information that has been erased or tampered with;

- The name of the pharmacist responsible for manufacturing and the registration number with the Regional Pharmacy Council (CRF) are stated. The register of the responsible pharmacist must be in the same state in which the drug factory is installed;

- If there is a registration number with Anvisa;

- If the lot number, which is printed on the outside, is the same as the one printed on the bottle or on the inner card;

- The package insert cannot be a copy. If the package leaflet is not original, do not accept the product

- In case of an injection applied at the pharmacy or drugstore, buy the medication first and check the guidelines above. Only after that, the application should be made and supervised by the pharmacist.

Source: Inspecção / Anvisa