MANILA, (PIA) — The Sangguniang Panglungsod ng Maynila (City Council of Manila) is set to investigate the report of the sale and distribution of fake drugs that were first identified by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) as being sold over-the-counter in pharmacies in the city.
In a resolution passed on September 21, 2023 by 2nd District Councilor Numero Lim, the assigned committee is instructed to conduct an ‘inquiry in aid of legislation’ on the sale and distribution of counterfeit drugs.
The FDA specifically identified the drugs as: Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide/Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride/Paracetamol (Tuseran Forte) [Reformulated] 15 mg/25 mg/325 mg capsule; Ibuprofen/Paracetamol (Alaxan FR) 200 mg/325 mg capsules; Loperamide Hydrochloride (Diatabs) 2 mg capsule; Mefenamic Acid (Dolfenal) 500 mg film-coated tablet; Loperamide Hydrochloride (Lomotil) 2 mg capsule; Mefenamic Acid (Gardan) 500mg tablets; Paracetamol (Biogesic) 500 mg tablets; Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol; and (Decolgen Forte) 25mg /2mg /500 mg tablets.
Such medicines are common medications for fever, cough, flu and body aches and are usually bought over the counter or OTC.
The purpose of the resolution is to create an ordinance related to the spread of counterfeit drugs; invite FDA representatives and other experts to provide input on the issue; amend existing local laws to increase oversight and regulation of drugs in the city. (PIA-NCR)
