Pirated virility
Source: Gazeta do Povo Online (PR), 21/06/2009
When drugs against sexual impotence appeared, about ten years ago
years, represented a hope for the millions of men who suffered from
erectile dysfunction in the world. But the promise of a long and active sex life was
followed by a great danger: counterfeiting.
Drug piracy is an evil that affects the whole world. In Brazil,
it is estimated that for every five drugs sold, one is fake, smuggled
or without registration of commercialization. According to the National Agency for
Health Surveillance (Anvisa), during the first quarter of this year were
170 tons of irregular medicines were seized. Most of the
Seized remedies are those indicated for erection difficulties,
from Paraguay, India or China.
Attention at the pharmacy
How to Buy Safe Medicines
> Be sure to consult a doctor when the signs of erectile dysfunction
appear.
> Purchase medicines only at regular pharmacies or drugstores. (THE
list is available on the Anvisa website - www.anvisa.gov.br).
> Do not buy if the packaging is broken, crushed, dirty or with
illegible validity.
> Check that the lot number printed on the box is the same as that printed on the
card.
> Always request and keep the purchase invoice.
> Ask the pharmacist for help in finding the printed registration number
on the packaging and the name of the professional responsible for the medicine.
> The current packaging includes a “scratch card”, with reactive ink that,
when shaved, it reveals the word “quality” and the company's logo
maker.
> Be wary of great offers or promotions, see if the average price of the
your medicine remains or be careful when checking the authenticity
of product.
> If you have any questions, call Disque Saúde free of charge, at
number 0800-61-1997.
The most affordable price and ease of purchase seduce consumers, who
find these remedies on websites, street vendors, stores and drugstores
irregular. Although inexpensive, such drugs expose those who consume them to
risks ranging from harmless effect to contamination with substances
unknown. According to urologist Luiz Carlos de Almeida Rocha, these
medications are not safe. “They were not handled in laboratories
accredited nor have quality control. There is no way to predict risks since
you can know the composition of a counterfeit drug, ”he says.
The doctor explains that, after the age of 60, 50% of men have problems with
erection to some degree. The shame of admitting the disorder is still a barrier and
may favor self-medication and difficulty in assessing whether the medication is
or not having the desired effects. “In cases of erectile dysfunction, or the person
you go to the doctor because you really want to treat the problem or you don't get to
mention the problem. If you don't ask, he won't tell you
erection difficulty ”, says Rocha.
Counterattack
Anvisa, the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP), the Police
Federal and the Federal Highway Police have tightened their grip on the
counterfeiting of drugs with joint actions in several states. Who gets caught
involved in counterfeiting medicines may have to answer for crimes of
smuggling and against public health, with a penalty of up to 15 years.
Laboratories also bought the fight and have taken several actions to
help consumers understand the importance of purchasing products
regularized.
Bayer, manufacturer of Levitra, has developed an exclusive website to assist
consumers, with tips for identifying the original medicine box,
news, phones and links to reports. “Our intention is to get closer to
our customers to know that encountering a fake medicine can
happen and, if it happens, they can differentiate it, ”says Joseph Person,
legal director of the Bayer group in Brazil.
The company also conducts internal training with sales representatives and
actions at fairs and events to raise awareness among the medical community and
consumers. “The drug industry has developed tools to
distinction of non-original products and this should be complemented with the law
establishes the monitoring and individualization of each medicine box ”,
complete Person.
The law mentioned is 11.903, of January this year, which, due to the
National Drug Control System enables tracking
electronic record of all medicines sold in the Brazilian market through
individual code printed on the packaging.
Clean face
Pfizer, maker of Viagra, and Lilly, of Cialis, are also
engaged in combating counterfeiting. Both drugs circulate today with
new packaging and have several resources for the population to achieve
identify the original and safe medication. According to the affairs director
corporate bodies, Alan Finkel, the consumer is the primary key to the
combating piracy. “There are two ways that we receive news about piracy.
One is for police apprehensions and the other is for the person who identifies
or purchase the box and contact the customer service
consumer ”, he says.
Service
Bayer Against Piracy website:
