Tracing the origin of a batch of counterfeit asthma medication sold in pharmacies

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health, said that the authorities continue to detect counterfeit Theophyllin extended-release tablet (Theophylline 100mg) for asthma treatment.

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A representative of the Drug Administration Department said that this unit received a report from the Dong Nai Provincial Testing Center about a product sample with information printed on the label: Theophylline extended - Release tablets 100 mg (Theophyllin 100 mg), batch number 05089, production date March 2, 2022, expiration date March 2, 2026; place of manufacture Pharmacy Laboratories Plus (Warszawa); the drug sample did not have information about the circulation registration certificate and/or import license number, and the importing facility on the label.

This is a medication used to treat bronchodilators, asthma, and other lung diseases.

The drug sample taken by the interdisciplinary inspection team at My Anh General Clinic Company Limited (My Anh Pharmacy), located in Binh Phuoc province (formerly), now Dong Nai; did not meet the quality requirements for quantitative indicators (reaching 19.71%) and solubility indicators (reaching 18.8-22.5%) of the amount stated on the Theophylline label. The Drug Administration of Vietnam confirmed that this was a counterfeit drug.

To ensure safety for users, the Drug Administration of Vietnam requests the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Health to urgently report to relevant agencies to conduct inspections of My Anh General Clinic Company Limited; trace the origin of the product batch with the above labeling information; and strictly handle violators.

Other local Health Departments need to notify drug businesses and users and the public not to buy, sell or use the above Theophyllin extended-release tablet (Theophylline 100mg) product; promptly report any suspicious signs of production or trading of counterfeit drugs or drugs of unknown origin to health agencies and relevant authorities.

Previously, in May 2025, Hanoi authorities discovered Theophyllin extended-release tablet (Theophylline 200mg) labeled with batch number: 21127, production date: February 26, 2022, expiration date: February 26, 2026, without printing registration number/import license number.

The drug sample discovered at An An Pharmacy had a Theophylline content of only 12.6 mg (equivalent to 6.3% of the content stated on the label) calculated based on the average weight of the tablet.

In December 2024, the Drug Administration also notified drug businesses and users of information about counterfeit drugs on the label: Theophylline 200mg tablets (Theophylin 200mg), place of manufacture: Pharmacy Laboratories Plus (Warsaw), with no information about the circulation registration number and/or import license number on the label.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/truy-tim-nguon-goc-lo-thuoc-tri-hen-suyen-bi-lam-gia-ban-trong-nha-thuoc-102250723125420007.htm