Ministry of Health warns about fake pain relievers and fever reducers

Signs to distinguish fake and real Ophazidon. Photo:Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health

Previously, the Hanoi Center for Drug, Cosmetic and Food Testing took samples of 4 batches No. 290621, 390721, 540921 and 691121, with the label labeled Ophazidon Tablets, produced by Hanoi Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. The test results showed that the samples did not meet quality standards for qualitative and quantitative indicators of caffeine and paracetamol.

The authorities compared the fake and real drug samples provided by Hanoi Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company and discovered differences. Specifically, the engraving of the letters "TK" on the fake pills was not sharp; the colors on the fake pills were not uniform.

Ophazidon is effective in relieving pain in cases of nerve pain, headache, joint pain, pain due to trauma..., used to reduce fever and pain for people with flu. Each Ophazidon tablet contains the active ingredient paracetamol 250 mg and 10 mg of caffeine along with necessary excipients.

The Drug Administration recommends that people do not trade or use counterfeit drugs with the above-mentioned signs. Authorities inspect drug stores and trace the origin of counterfeit Ophazidon.

In recent times, the Drug Administration has repeatedly warned about the situation of counterfeit drugs. Most recently in early August, the Department also warned about counterfeit antibiotics.