Brian Jeffrey
Fake medications are becoming more advanced, penetrating pharmacies in large urban areas, complicating the task for healthcare professionals trying to differentiate them from genuine products.
On May 23, Vietnam’s Drug Administration (part of the Ministry of Health) released a statement regarding an origin investigation for a counterfeit batch of NEXIUM 40mg, a drug aimed at treating gastrointestinal issues.
Tests showed that the effective ingredient, Esomeprazole, was present at only 6.91 mg, which is merely 17.27% of the stated amount. Alarmingly, this counterfeit was found in a pharmacy located in the Dong Da District of Hanoi.
As defined by the Pharmacy Law, counterfeit medications are those that lack active ingredients, contain incorrect materials or dosages, or carry false manufacturer labels. The World Health Organization (WHO) labels counterfeit medicines as a “silent killer,” particularly in nations with inadequate regulatory oversight.
Dr. Quan The Dan, the former Head of General Planning at Tue Tinh Hospital in Hanoi, stated, “Today’s counterfeit drugs are highly sophisticated—right down to the barcodes and packaging. Even physicians often struggle to discern the differences using visual inspection alone.”
The existence of counterfeit medications initiates a detrimental cycle: treatment failures, complications, rising healthcare costs, increased burden on medical systems, and heightened mortality rates.
Associate Professor Do Van Dung from the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City pointed out that distinguishing between fake and genuine drugs is significantly reliant on the efforts of regulatory agencies.
Counterfeit drugs not only undermine treatment success but also introduce risks such as drug resistance, prolonged illnesses, and severe consequences, especially for infectious diseases.
Pharmacist Pham Ngoc Thao Uyen from the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital Pharmacists Association highlighted the importance of using medications correctly—ensuring the right drug, dosage, and administration method for effective treatment.
Nevertheless, the pervasive distribution of counterfeit drugs, the oversight-free sale of prescribed medications, and the illegal trade of regulated substances pose serious risks to public health.
Experts have suggested a range of thorough strategies. Dr. Quan The Dan advocates for enhanced inspections, sampling, and stringent punishments for offenders as deterrents. He also urges changes in public attitudes toward medication use:
Avoid self-medication: Do not purchase drugs without a prescription or proper consultation from a healthcare provider.
Select trustworthy sources: Prefer large, reputable pharmacies, particularly those affiliated with hospitals, and retain receipts for traceability.
Be cautious of unusually low prices: Associate Professor Do Van Dung warns that if a medication is priced significantly lower than its competitors, its quality may be suspect.
Pharmacist Thao Uyen calls for stricter regulation of prescription medications to prevent them from being sold over-the-counter.
She emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among the Ministry of Health, regulatory bodies, and healthcare facilities to conduct regular examinations and address any infringements.
Additionally, healthcare staff should be trained in proper medication dispensing protocols, and public awareness initiatives should promote safe medication practices.
