- Currently it is estimated that 10% of medicines in the world are apocryphal.
- In addition to being a serious crime, they also put people’s integrity at risk because they generate a false sense of security.
- Theft of anesthetics puts the people who receive them at risk.
Drug development is one of the most important achievements of the modern era. Thanks to this innovation, countless diseases can be attended and treated. At the same time, it is a sector that is highly disputed by the black market both in counterfeiting and in other criminal acts. While the most recent case occurred in our country with the theft of anesthetics and hemodialysis devices.
A crime that is on the rise
Regarding the current scenario, the World Health Organization (WHO) points out that one in 10 drugs offered today is counterfeit. It can be both counterfeit and stolen, although in the end the risk is the same because it puts the person who consumes it at risk.
Now, beyond the legal aspect, the dangerous thing is that it generates a false sense of security. Patients think that they comply with their treatment, although in reality this is not the case. In addition, its content and elements are unknown, so they can be counterproductive.
Alert for theft of anesthetics
All this leads to recent announcement published by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris). Inform the population and health professionals about the theft of two batches of the medical device Quabic (sodium bicarbonate in hemodialysis grade solution) and a batch of the medicine Prigadef (propofol).
The alerts are issued due to the risk that the use of these products represents, since they are stolen and their transport, storage and handling conditions are unknown. In addition, its quality and safety are not guaranteed.
#HealthAlert ⚠️
Alert is issued for theft of medicines 💊 anesthetics and hemodialysis devices. Improper handling puts people’s health at risk. 👇https://t.co/SyAB17pkHP pic.twitter.com/mLJuedqLz5
— COFEPRIS (@COFEPRIS) July 22, 2022
What does each one work for?
The improper handling of Quabic medical device may impact hemodialysis treatmentwhich consists of artificially removing harmful or toxic substances from the blood —especially those that are retained due to kidney failure—, by means of an artificial kidney. It is applied only under the supervision and control of health professionals.
In the same way, the supply of stolen Prigadef (propofol) can impact on surgical interventions and other processes in which the medicine is used, being a general anesthetic.
Both products are considered priority for medical use and should only be applied under the supervision and control of health professionals. Its incorrect use and handling puts the health of the people to whom it could be supplied at risk.
In this sense, Cofepris issues the following recommendations:
- The general public is informed that the Quabic medical device and the Prigadef medication batch are for the exclusive use of professionals in the public and private health sector. Therefore, it cannot be purchased in private pharmacies or through the internet or social networks.
- In case of locating points of sale where the identified batches of these products are marketed, this commission invites to report on the page of this health authority, preventing the distribution from continuing.
To the National Health System, distributors and pharmacies:
- In case of identifying batches Q300/2206 14 expiration 2025 06 and batch Q300/2206 15 expiration 2025 06 of the Quabic medical device, or batch 0222013, expiration date 2024 02, do not acquire them and contact this authority through a complaint sanitary.
- Acquire medical devices and medicines only with suppliers authorized and validated by the company that owns the product, which must have a health license, notice of operation, and documentation of the legal acquisition of the product.