THE Department of Health (DOH) has once again issued a warning to the public against counterfeit medicines and vaccines being sold online or by unauthorized vendors.
The DOH emphasizes the serious risks associated with using fake medical products, which can be ineffective, harmful, and potentially life-threatening.
The reminder coincides with Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines, an annual observance held during the third week of November, as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 2082.
The DOH is urging the public to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid purchasing fake drugs and vaccines.
The agency advises the public to be wary of the following signs of counterfeit medicines: errors in labeling or spelling, suspicious packaging, lack of FDA batch or lot number, manufacturing, and expiration dates, ineffectiveness of the medication, different smell and taste of the medicine, and unlicensed or unauthorized sellers.
The DOH urges consumers to only purchase medicines from reputable pharmacies and authorized retailers to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products they are using.
