Many fake drugs of unknown origin were discovered in Hanoi.

On the morning of May 30, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) sent an official dispatch to the Department of Health of provinces and cities across the country regarding the discovery of many fake drugs and drugs of unknown origin in Hanoi, and requested localities to strengthen inspection and handle violations according to regulations.

Specifically, the Drug Administration received a report from the Hanoi Center for Drug, Cosmetic and Food Testing on the test results of a drug sample labeled: DIAMICRON® MR 60mg (Gliklazid), batch number: 23F603, expiry date: 4-2026. This drug sample did not meet the quality standards for the quantitative index of the active ingredient Gliclazid according to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, only reaching 70.83% compared to the content stated on the label.

DIAMICRON ® MR 60mg product has signs of counterfeit medicine

In addition, the authorities also took 6 other drug samples from Duc Anh Pharmacy (belonging to Duc Anh Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Company Limited, No. 08 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi) to test the quality. The results showed that all 6 drug samples had no information about the circulation registration number or import license, manufacturing facility and importing facility. The specific products include:

- Oseltamivir, batch number: M1164B01, Manufacturing date: 3-2021, Expiry date: 3-2023

- Crestor 20mg (Rosuvastatin), lot number: A23237030, Expiry date: 4-2026

- Janumet 50/1000mg (Sitagliptin/Metformin), batch number: 24497505A, Expiry date: 7-2026

- Plavix (Clopidogrel), lot number: ELB04027, Expiry date: 5-2027

- NEXIUM® 40mg (Esomeprazole), lot number: 23H420, Expiry date: 9-2027

- Crestor 10mg (Rosuvastatin), lot number: A24236004, Expiry date: 7-2027

Some samples of drugs of unknown origin were taken at Duc Anh Pharmacy.

Faced with the above situation, the Drug Administration of Vietnam requested the Hanoi Department of Health to report to the Hanoi Steering Committee 389, coordinate with the police, market management agencies and related units to urgently inspect and examine the operations of Duc Anh Pharmacy, clarify the origin of 7 batches of drugs in violation, strictly handle them according to regulations and report the results to the Department before June 2.

The Department also requested the Department of Health of provinces and cities to direct drug businesses and users not to buy, sell or use the above products; at the same time, increase communication so that people are vigilant, only buy drugs at legal establishments, and promptly report suspicious signs of fake drugs or drugs of unknown origin to the authorities.

KHANH NGUYEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/phat-hien-nhieu-loai-thuoc-gia-khong-ro-nguon-goc-tai-ha-noi-post797410.html