Because pharmacies are running out of paracetamol, some people are forced to buy it everywhere, and if they look at it, the drug they can buy is even counterfeit.
In a report by Maki Pulido on GMA News “24 Oras” on Tuesday, it was said that a man in Caloocan bought paracetamol from a man selling drugs on a motorcycle.
But instead of recovering, his body rash.
After he complained about the incident, the Caloocan authorities conducted an operation and arrested the drug seller, who turned out to be counterfeit.
The lot number and security marks were found in the box of the confiscated drugs were fake, which is proof that it is not from the real company that makes the brand of the medicine.
It is found that such drugs are ordered online from a supplier. Therefore, the authorities conducted a follow-up operation to track down the supplier and confiscated P100,000 worth of paracetamol from the deliverer.
But the arrested person explained that he was just a deliverer and not the medicine supplier.
“May botika nga siya sabi naman niya sa akin wala naman daw safe naman daw,” the suspect said.
Authorities are said to be conducting an operation on counterfeit drugs. They also advised the public to buy medicines only at legitimate drugstores.
Fake paracetamol seized in Caloocan and QC
Early this month, there were reports of a shortage of paracetamol in Metro Manila due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases.
However, the Department of Health (DOH) has released a statement that there is no ongoing paracetamol shortage. Such medicine is used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
“We have quickly consulted major drugstore chains and local manufacturers and suppliers on the status of supply of said products,” it said. “While there is an increased demand for such products, there is no ongoing shortage in the Philippines.”
However, Unilab, the manufacturer of known paracetamol brands like Biogesic, Neozep, and Solmux, confirmed a shortage of pharmacy stock.
Meanwhile, Zuellig Pharma also confirmed a temporary shortage of certain brands of paracetamol in some areas.
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