The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) detected in Mexico the illegal sale of antivirals for the care of patients with COVID-19.
The agency stated that this practice is a crimeas counterfeiting or tampering with these products poses a health risk, causing possible adverse reactions, aggravation of the disease and even death.
indicated that these irregular antiviral drugs against COVID-19 lack of quality control, as well as studies that support its safety and efficacy.
Also, he emphasized that the acquisition of this type of antiviral medicines must be carried out with legally established companies and have the permits and authorizations by this health authority.
What irregular characteristics do antivirals have against COVID-19?
He clarified that they should only be supplied free of charge in public institutions and warned that the antivirals that are traded irregularly present:
- Batches not recognized by manufacturers
- Changed expiration dates
- illegible legends
- Its price is lower than the original product
What does Cofepris recommend to the population?
- Do not buy medicines in established establishments
- Do not use antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19 without medical supervision
- Do not purchase antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19 on websites
- Do not consume generic versions of antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19 unauthorized
- In case of identifying the sale of the products illegally and unauthorized generic versions, file a health complaint at https://www.gob.mx/cofepris/acciones-y-programas/denuncias-sanitarias
- If you have used antivirals for the treatment of COVID-19 unauthorized, report any adverse reaction or discomfort caused to the mail [email protected]
- Only consume drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 authorized by Cofepris, under prescription
The cofepris requested that in case of identifying the illegal sale of these products, a health complaint on the phone 800 033 5050.