FDA sees possible link between COVID-19, proliferation of 'fake' Chinese meds

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confiscated inauthentic versions of Chinese medicine Lian Hua Qing Weng capsules in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, its director general Eric Domingo said Friday.

This brand of traditional medicine has been approved by the FDA in the Philippines last August but not for the treatment of COVID-19, unlike its purpose in China.

During an online forum hosted by the Department of Health, Domingo was asked if the FDA was able to arrest those peddling fake versions of Lian Hua Qing Weng capsules.

"Medyo marami na [ang nahuli]. We've been working with the National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine National Police, and we've actually raided several establishments here in Metro Manila and Region 3," he said.

"We've confiscated the products and they are now on hold and cases are pending," he added.

Domingo said the proliferation of inauthentic Lian Hua Qing Weng capsules is probably linked to its usage as treatment for mild COVID-19 in China.

"Madami nahuli sa mga clinics for Chinese patients. They probably give it because in China it is approved for COVID-19," he said in a text message to GMA News Online.

The FDA earlier emphasized that the approved use of Lian Hua Qing Weng in the Philippines is only for the treatment of lung toxins, fever and other related symptoms—not for COVID-19.

A doctor's prescription is also required to purchase this from registered pharmacies.  —KBK, GMA News