E-DRUG: counterfeit ARVs in DRC
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Dear colleagues,
we are sending this message to inform about the presence of counterfeited
antiretroviral drugs in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Fake antiretrovirals were found in December 2003 in Lubumbashi, DRC.
Bottles and blisters (without carton boxes) were labeled as either
"Triomune" or "Duovir", which are Cipla's brands for respectively
d4T-3TC-NVP and 3TC-ZDV. Manufactures mentioned in the labels are Geneva
pharmaceuticals Technology corp., Dayton, NJ 08810 USA ; Glaxo
pharmaceuticals, Inc., Johannesburg, FL 3247, manufactured by Alpharma USPD
Inc., South Africa, MD 21244 ; Copley pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sun city, FL
33637, manufactured by Alpharma USPD Inc., South Africa, MD 21244; Bausch &
Lomb Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sun City, FL 33 637, manufactured by Alpharma
USPD Inc. South Africa, MD 21244.
It seems from preliminary investigation that the counterfeiters have put
fake labels on bottles containing non-ARV pharmaceutical products. Some of
these tablets have been identified and contain either Fluvoxamine, an
antidepressant drug, or Cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant. Apparently,
this illegal circuit of fake products target directly prescribers and
patients, by proposing them to buy "ARVs cheaper than the ones of Cipla".
Local health authorities have been promptly informed.
Even if the appearance of the counterfeits is quite poor, people can be
tempted to use them because of the cheaper price, so exposing themselves to
life-threatening conditions. It is important to alert both health staff and
patients about the presence of this criminal circuit, and to raise
awareness that non-official distribution channels should always be avoided.
Sandrine Cloez, C�cile Mac�, Raffaella Ravinetto
M�decins Sans Fronti�res
Raffaella.RAVINETTO@barcelona.msf.org
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