On 16/9, the DAV reported that Novartis Vietnam had received four consumer complaints about suspected counterfeit eye drops, including Tobrex, Maxitrol, and TobraDex. Upon investigation, a batch of Tobrex 5 ml with the lot number VEE90A was confirmed counterfeit. Three other batches—Tobrex 5 ml (lot VEE98C), Maxitrol 5 ml (lot VFD09A), and TobraDex 5 ml (lot VHN07A)—are also under suspicion. All these products were found circulating outside the company's official distribution network.
The second case involves the high-dose sleeping pill Lexomil 6 mg, owned by Cheplapharm Arzneimottel GmbH. Ho Chi Minh City police seized a batch of the drug with lot number F3193F01 and an expiration date of 12/2027. The manufacturer confirmed this batch to be counterfeit. It was originally produced for the French market and not imported into Vietnam. Lexomil 6 mg is not currently registered for circulation in Vietnam, making any sale or use of the product illegal.
The third case involves Aclasta (zoledronic acid), used to treat osteoporosis. A pharmacy in Kien Giang province reported a product with a manufacturing date of 8/2024 and an expiration date of 7/2027. The company that registered the drug confirmed that this batch was not officially imported, and its packaging had irregularities. Specifically, genuine Aclasta manufactured after 5/2024 bears the Sandoz logo, replacing the previous Novartis logo. Products manufactured after this date but still displaying the old logo are suspected counterfeits.
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Comparison of counterfeit (left) and genuine (right) medication provided by the manufacturer. Photo: Drug Administration of Vietnam |
Comparison of counterfeit (left) and genuine (right) medication provided by the manufacturer. Photo: Drug Administration of Vietnam
In response, the DAV has instructed provincial Departments of Health to notify hospitals, pharmacies, and the public to avoid trading or using these medications. Authorities have been tasked with inspecting, monitoring, and tracing the source of these counterfeit products.
The DAV advises consumers to carefully examine packaging information and compare it with data on approved drugs available on the DAV's website. If any suspicious signs are detected, people should immediately report them to the authorities for timely action.
Le Nga
