Cuban health authorities have raised alarms about the spread of "fake medicines" across several Latin American countries, which could potentially impact patients on the island. This information was disseminated through various official notices.
According to updates from late July by the Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment, and Medical Devices (CECMED), the regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the Republic of Cuba, there is a circulation of counterfeit Dobutamine, Erbitux, Ramiven, Acetaminophen, Dolo-Neurobión Forte (injectable solution), and Eutirox in Mexico and El Salvador.
The Cuban regulatory agency has not confirmed the presence of these fake medicines on the island but warns that "international travelers could acquire and bring them to residents in the country." Notably, only Eutirox has a registered sanitary permit. "CECMED has a Sanitary Registration for Eutirox (levothyroxine sodium) 100 mcg tablets, manufactured by Merck, S. A. de C.V., Mexico, although batch numbers M16806 and M31772 have not been authorized for importation," the notice states.
Recommendations and Warnings
The recommendations are clear:
- Do not purchase Dobutamine Intravenous Injectable Solution 250 mg/5 mL from HEALTH BIOTECH LIMITED, as the origin, manufacturing, and storage conditions are unknown, compromising its quality, safety, and efficacy.
- Do not purchase ERBITUX (Cetuximab) 5mg/ml, due to unknown origin, manufacturing, and storage conditions, which may compromise its quality, safety, and efficacy.
- Do not purchase Ramiven (Abemaciclib) 150 mg tablets, for the same reasons as above.
- Do not purchase ACETAMINOPHEN MK 500 MG TABLET, batch L01961, expiring 12/27, due to unknown origin, manufacturing, and storage conditions.
- Do not purchase Eutirox (levothyroxine sodium) 100 mcg tablet batches M33440 (expiring June 25) and M93983 (expiring November 27), due to concerns about origin and quality.
- Do not purchase Eutirox (levothyroxine sodium) 100 mcg tablet batches M16806 and M31772, for the same reasons.
Additionally, Cuban health professionals are advised to report any identified counterfeit products or adverse reactions to the email vigilancia@cecmed.cu or contact the phone numbers 72164372, 72164352, 72164136.
To identify counterfeit medications, it is recommended to examine the packaging for grammatical or spelling errors, check manufacturing and expiration dates, verify the physical appearance of the medicine, and consult a healthcare professional if suspicion arises. Suspicious medicines should also be reported to the regulatory authority.
Amid Cuba's ongoing medication crisis and the government's failure to resolve it, Cubans are forced to turn to the informal market to obtain necessary supplies.
FAQs on Fake Medicines in Cuba
Given the rising concerns about the circulation of fake medicines in Cuba and other Latin American countries, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
What are the fake medicines identified by CECMED?
CECMED has identified counterfeit versions of Dobutamine, Erbitux, Ramiven, Acetaminophen, Dolo-Neurobión Forte, and Eutirox circulating in Mexico and El Salvador.
How can I identify a fake medicine?
To identify counterfeit medicines, check the packaging for errors, verify manufacturing and expiration dates, examine the physical appearance, and consult a healthcare professional if in doubt. Report any suspicions to the regulatory authority.
Who should I contact if I find a fake medicine in Cuba?
You should report any identified counterfeit products or adverse reactions to the email vigilancia@cecmed.cu or contact the phone numbers 72164372, 72164352, 72164136.