Ministry of Health warns about fake pain relievers and fever reducers
On August 22, the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health announced that 4 batches of Ophazidon tablets for pain relief and fever reduction were counterfeit.
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| Signs to distinguish between 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, the label of which read Ophazidon Tablets, produced by Hanoi Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company. The test results showed that the samples did not meet the 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 some differences. Specifically, the engraving of the word "TK" on the fake pill was not sharp; the color on the fake pill was not uniform.
Ophazidon is effective in relieving pain in cases of neuralgia, 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 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 trading establishments and trace the origin of fake Ophazidon.
In recent times, the Drug Administration has repeatedly warned about the situation of fake drugs. Most recently in early August, the Department also warned about fake antibiotics.