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Counterfeit drugs: Pharmacists point out the dangers of using them

Medicines for bone and joint diseases, broad-spectrum antibiotics for treating bacterial infections, cough medicines, expectorants... are some of the types that are often counterfeited, seriously affecting the health of users.

Báo Thanh niênBáo Thanh niên20/04/2025



As reported by Thanh Nien , on the afternoon of April 20, information from the Ministry of Health said that among the 21 types of drugs seized, 4 types were identified as counterfeit drugs licensed for circulation by the Ministry of Health, including: Tetracycline, Clorocid, Pharcoter and Neo-Codion. The remaining products do not match any drugs on the list that have been granted a registration license for circulation by the Ministry of Health.

Tetracycline - antibiotic that treats many types of infections

Pharmacist Pham Ngoc Thao Uyen, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, said that Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it can treat various infections caused by bacteria. The drug is often used to treat infections of the respiratory, urinary, digestive tracts, trachoma, syphilis (in cases where penicillin cannot be used) and to support the treatment of acne.

Counterfeit drugs: Pharmacists 'name' some familiar drugs that are often counterfeited - Photo 1.

Thanh Hoa police force counts fake drugs as evidence in the case

PHOTO: THANH HOA POLICE

"However, if you use a fake drug called Tetracycline, which does not contain active ingredients or contains the wrong dosage of active ingredients, it will not only make the disease difficult to cure but can also cause serious consequences. Patients may face the risk of more severe infections, sepsis, liver and kidney damage, which is especially dangerous in the elderly or those with underlying diseases. In addition, Tetracycline is also contraindicated for children under 8 years old due to the risk of causing permanent yellow teeth," said pharmacist Thao Uyen.

Clorocid - antibiotic for treating severe infections

Clorocid is the brand name of a drug containing the active ingredient chloramphenicol, an antibiotic commonly used in the treatment of serious infections such as sepsis, meningitis, severe pneumonia, especially in cases where there are no other suitable antibiotic options.

However, chloramphenicol also carries many risks if used incorrectly or uncontrolled - especially the risk of causing bone marrow failure, rare but serious aplastic anemia. Therefore, this drug should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.

Using fake Clorocid, of unknown origin, with insufficient active ingredients or with substituted active ingredients, can cause uncontrolled infections, worsening and threatening lives, especially in young children and the elderly.

Ministry of Health announced 21 fake drugs - Photo 1.

Of the 21 counterfeit drugs, 16 had labels that did not match those of the drugs that had been granted registration numbers.

PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Pharcoter - cough medicine, expectorant and mild pain reliever:

Pharcoter is a drug commonly used in the treatment of respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, cough with phlegm, mild asthma. The main ingredients of the drug are Terpin hydrate (has the effect of thinning phlegm) and Codein phosphate, an active ingredient in the opioid group that has the effect of inhibiting the cough center and mild pain relief.

When counterfeited, Pharcoter may not contain the main active ingredient or contain the wrong amount of Codeine, leading to ineffective treatment, prolonged cough, and even making respiratory infections worse.

"It is worth noting that Codeine is a substance that can be addictive if used incorrectly. In addition, abusing Codeine or using counterfeit drugs containing Codeine in the wrong dose can lead to dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression, neurological disorders, fatigue or prolonged drowsiness, which is especially dangerous for the elderly or people with heart and lung diseases," pharmacist Uyen warned.

Neo-Codion - strong cough suppressant should be used with caution

Neo-Codion is a strong dry cough suppressant, often prescribed for adults in cases of prolonged cough due to irritation, without phlegm. The main ingredient of the drug is Codeine camphosulphonate, a form of Codeine, belonging to the group of opioid pain relievers that inhibit the cough center in the brain.

However, Neo-Codion is a prescription drug and should be used strictly under the direction of a physician, as Codeine can cause respiratory depression, which is especially dangerous in the elderly, children, or people with respiratory and neurological diseases.

When counterfeited, Neo-Codion may contain uncontrolled amounts of Codeine, or no active ingredient, making treatment ineffective and increasing the risk of serious side effects such as deep drowsiness, difficulty breathing, heart rhythm disturbances, drug dependence, and codeine addiction if used for a long time.

Pharmacist Pham Ngoc Thao Uyen, a specialist in medicine, warns that using fake drugs not only does not bring about effective treatment, but also causes misunderstandings about the condition of the disease, causing users to delay proper treatment, making the disease worse. Patients should buy drugs at licensed pharmacies and drugstores with clear addresses.


Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thuoc-gia-duoc-si-chi-ra-nhung-hiem-hoa-khi-su-dung-18525042009365294.htm


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