FDA warns vs. counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines, which could pose health risks, and reminded them to purchase from establishments licensed by the agency.

In an advisory, the FDA said Anti-Rabies Serum (Equine) (Equirab) 200 IU/mL (1000 IU/5mL) Solution for Injection (I.M./S.C.) is a legally registered drug in the agency.

Equirab is an anti-rabies serum that provides passive immunization against rabies, according to the World Health Organization.

The FDA also warned the public against selling counterfeit drugs, which is prohibited under the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs, and could result in criminal charges.

It urged local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure the fake anti-rabies vaccines are off the market.

The public may also report the sale or distribution of fake drugs at ereport@fda.gov.ph or (02) 8809-5596.

For any suspected adverse reactions to a medicine, the public may report to the FDA  https://bit.ly/FDAPHReportSideEffect. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News