FDA warns of counterfeit versions of 6 well-known over-the-counter drugs

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised the public against the purchase and use of the counterfeit versions of several well-known over-the-counter medicines.

In an advisory, FDA said among the brand name drugs with counterfeit versions are: 

• Kremil-S (Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide + Simeticone)
• Alaxan FR (Ibuprofen + Paracetamol)
• Biogesic (Paracetamol) 
• Medicol Advance (Ibuprofen) 
• Bioflu (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol) 
• Tuseran Forte (Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride + Paracetamol)

FDA said all healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of the counterfeit drug products in the market which pose potential danger or injury to consumers. 

It also reminded consumers to purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments.

The FDA urged the public to check the product carefully as lot number, capsule or tablet, knurling, and print appearance of the counterfeit versions are not comparable with the standard features of the registered products.

All establishments and outlets are also warned against selling and/or dispensing of the said counterfeit products with the abovementioned features. 

"The importation, selling, or offering for sale of such is in direct violation of Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs," FDA said.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News