On 22/7, the DAV announced the discovery following test results from the Dong Nai Provincial Testing Center. The counterfeit medication was found at My Anh Pharmacy, part of My Anh General Clinic Co. Ltd., located in Bu Gia Map District, Binh Phuoc Province.
The counterfeit product is labeled Theophylline extended-release tablets 100 mg (Theophylline 100mg), lot number 05089, and lists Pharmacy Laboratories Plus (Warsaw) as the manufacturer. The label lacks registration, import license, and importer information.
Testing revealed the medication failed to meet quality standards for both dosage (19.71% of the labeled amount) and dissolution (18.8-22.5%), according to the Vietnam Pharmacopoeia.
In late May, the DAV also warned about a similar counterfeit drug with a 200 mg dosage. This product was labeled Theophylline Extended Release Tablets 200 mg (Theophylline 200 mg), lot number 21127, and also listed Pharmacy Laboratories Plus as the manufacturer. This product’s label also lacked registration, import license, and importer information. Testing showed the Theophylline content was only 6.3% of the labeled amount.
The DAV has ordered relevant agencies to trace the source of these counterfeit drugs and take strict action against violators. They have also urged businesses to avoid selling or using these products.
Consumers are advised to stop using Theophylline extended-release tablets (both 100mg and 200mg) and report any suspicious activity to health authorities.
Medications are strictly regulated due to their direct impact on health and safety. All production, business, trade, and use must adhere to the Law on Pharmacy and related legislation. Counterfeiting medication is prohibited and carries penalties ranging from two years imprisonment to the death penalty.
Authorities have recently uncovered numerous counterfeit medications, supplements, and health products. The Ministry of Health recently ordered an investigation into a batch of counterfeit stomach medication labeled NEXIUM 40 mg Enterik Kapli Pellet Tablet (Esomeprazol) that failed quality tests. In mid-April, Thanh Hoa Provincial Police busted a large-scale counterfeit drug ring and arrested 14 people.
Le Nga
