- According to the WHO, different types of hepatitis cause 1.2 million deaths annually on the planet.
- The counterfeit hepatitis B vaccine that was identified has lot numbers 2526211014-1 and 2566220/410-2.
- In addition, the expiration date on the secondary packaging is October 6, 2023 and on the label it is November 2023.
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) published a health alert for the counterfeit Provibac-B, which is a vaccine against hepatitis B. The apocryphal product was detected as a 200 mcg (20 ml) injectable suspension and does not have health authorization.
Characteristics of the counterfeit biological
The health authority alerts health professionals and the general population about the falsification of this biological from Probiomed, holder of the health registry. The non-original product has the lot number 2526211014-1 on the secondary or external packaging, and 2566220/410-2 on the vial bottle label. In addition, the expiration date on the secondary packaging is October 6, 2023 and on the label it is November 2023.
The product with the aforementioned characteristics represents a risk to the health of the population because the manufacturing, handling and storage conditions are unknown, so its safety, quality and effectiveness are not guaranteed.
#Cofeprisalerta on falsification of hepatitis B vaccine.
💉https://t.co/oWIV0V3zJW pic.twitter.com/k87XiPs0R8
— COFEPRIS (@COFEPRIS) September 10, 2023
Therefore, Cofepris recommends that the general population, health professionals, distributors and pharmacies always verify that the lot numbers and expiration dates match on the packaging of any product.
Likewise, if there are doubts about the originality of a product, it is necessary to contact the holder of the health registration.
What to do if you identify the counterfeit hepatitis B vaccine?
If the product is identified with the indicated characteristics, it should not be purchased and, if there is information about possible marketing, the corresponding health complaint can be made in the next link or to the number 800 033 5050.
If the counterfeit biological has been supplied and the patient has any adverse reaction or discomfort, they must report it to the next link or to email: [email protected]
The types of hepatitis that cause the most deaths
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Around 1.2 million people died from acute hepatitis or one of its consequences in 2019. More than 90% of the deaths that year were due to infections of type B and C viruses, which are considered the most aggressive with the possibility of developing chronic hepatitis.
On the other hand, since 2000, deaths caused by hepatitis A, B and E have decreased considerably. For example, deaths from type B fell by 10% and in the case of type A, deaths fell by 50%. Both infections have a successful vaccination scheme that has undoubtedly helped in the fight against the virus.
Unfortunately, the situation is different with hepatovirus type C infections, whose deaths have increased by 27%. To date, there is no effective vaccine against this type of infection.
Also read:
Hepatitis B and C, what are their similarities and differences?
Hepatitis B carriers outnumber those infected with HIV seven times
Types of hepatitis: Which cause the most deaths in the world?