Spurious Drugs: A Threat to Public Health

The Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) in Sindh has issued a stark warning about the presence of counterfeit medications in the Pakistani market. Seven pharmaceutical companies have been identified as producing spurious drugs, some of which may contain risky and potentially life-threatening ingredients.

Dangerous Deception: Fake Licenses and Missing APIs

Documents obtained by dawn reveal that these counterfeit medications lack proper manufacturing licenses and registration numbers. Moreover, they are devoid of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the essential components responsible for their therapeutic effects. This means consumers are unknowingly ingesting potentially harmful substances.

“Consequences of use of spurious/falsified drugs might potentially be severe as those drugs may contain toxic and narcotic/psychotropic ingredients in unacceptable doses,which may be life threatening,” the DTL warns in documents shared wiht health authorities and pharmaceutical associations.

Specific examples of counterfeit Medications

The DTL has identified the following medications as spurious:

• Eyosef 250mg capsules (M/S East Pharmaceuticals, Lahore) – used to treat bacterial infections
• alcoxime suspension (M/S Alpine Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Karachi) – used to treat bacterial infections
• Milixime suspension (M/S Menakline Pharma, Karachi) – used to treat bacterial infections
• Mirzpan suspension (M/S miraz Pharma, Kasur) – used to treat bacterial infections
• Mirzolam tablets (M/S Miraz Pharma, Kasur) – used to treat anxiety disorders
• Lexopam tablets (M/S Porm Pharmaceuticals, Peshawar) – used to treat panic disorders and anxiety
• Zionex tablet (M/S Multicare Pharmaceutical Karachi) – used to treat panic disorders and anxiety
• Bromalex (M/S Brom Pharmaceuticals Lahore) – used to treat panic disorders and anxiety

The Dangers of Counterfeit Drugs

President of Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum, Noor Mahar, highlights the alarming nature of this situation: “Medicines were being sold in the market, but the license numbers of these products were never allotted. Even addresses of the pharmaceutical companies mentioned on the drugs were fake.”

Counterfeit medications pose a grave threat to public health. They can:

• Contain harmful, untested, or incorrect ingredients.
• Lack the necessary potency to effectively treat illnesses.
• Lead to adverse reactions, allergic responses, or drug interactions.
• Worsen existing medical conditions.

Protecting Yourself From Counterfeit Drugs

Consumers can take steps to protect themselves from counterfeit medications:

• Purchase medications only from reputable pharmacies.
• Check the packaging carefully for signs of tampering or counterfeiting.
• Verify the manufacturer’s information and contact details.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medication’s authenticity.

Call to Action: Vigilance and Awareness

The presence of spurious drugs in the market underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and awareness.Consumers, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities must work together to combat this serious threat to public health. Report any suspected counterfeit medications to the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

What specific measures can regulatory bodies implement to enhance pharmaceutical inspections and combat counterfeit drug production?

Combating Spurious Drugs: An Interview with Dr. Zia Qureshi

In the wake of the Drugs Testing Laboratory’s (DTL) grim findings, Archyde sat down with Dr. Zia Qureshi, a seasoned pharmaceutical analyst and consultant, to discuss the public health concerns surrounding counterfeit drugs and potential solutions.

Identifying the Counterfeit Threat

Archyde (A): Dr. Qureshi, can you elaborate on the scale and severity of the counterfeit drug issue in Pakistan, as highlighted by the DTL?

Dr. Zia Qureshi (ZQ): Certainly. The DTL’s report is alarming. We’re seeing a significant number of pharmaceutical products circulating without proper registration or APIs. This not onyl undermines public trust but also puts lives at risk. The identified brands,like Eyosef and Alcoxime,are widely used,making the situation even more concerning.

Lack of Regulation and Enforcement

A: What contributes to the rampant production and circulation of these fake drugs?

ZQ: Ineffective regulation and enforcement are significant contributors. In Pakistan, the existing laws are insufficient to deter criminals, as seen by the frequent busts of clandestine manufacturing facilities. Moreover, our regulatory bodies often lack the resources and manpower to monitor the market adequately.

Dangers of Counterfeit Medications

A: Can you explain the potential dangers of consuming these counterfeit drugs to our readers?

ZQ: Absolutely. When you swallow a counterfeit, you’re gambling with your health. These drugs can contain toxic ingredients, provide no therapeutic effect, or trigger severe allergic reactions. As an example, counterfeit antibiotics might be inactive against bacteria, leading to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. It’s a lose-lose situation for patients.

Protecting Yourself and识别假药

A: What steps can consumers take to protect themselves from purchasing counterfeit drugs?

ZQ: firstly, always buy medications from licensed pharmacies. Check the packaging meticulously for any signs of tampering. Verify the manufacturer’s details, and double-check if the drug’s registration number matches the label. If unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

A Thought-Provoking Question

A: Given the sophistication of current counterfeiting operations, do you believe it’s possible to eradicate this problem entirely? Why or why not?

ZQ: Eradication might be an ambitious goal, given the global scale and profitability of the counterfeit drug trade. However, with robust international cooperation, stricter domestic enforcement, and increased public awareness, we can significantly reduce the prevalence of these fake drugs and protect our citizens.

Collaborative Effort Needed

A: Dr. Qureshi, how can we, as a society, collaborate to tackle this pressing issue?

ZQ: We need a multi-pronged approach involving consumers, healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement. Public awareness campaigns can educate consumers on spotting counterfeits, while regulators must streamline licensing processes and enhance inspections. Lastly, law enforcement agencies should work with international bodies to disrupt counterfeit supply chains.

Together,we can protect public health and ensure everyone has access to safe,effective medicines.