- Remdesivir was approved in March 2021 for use in patients with Covid-19 in Mexico.
- At the moment all units are exclusive to public institutions of the federal government and are not for sale in pharmacies.
- The sale of corovir, bemsivir and desrem was also identified, which are drugs that are not authorized for sale and distribution in Mexico.
A constant throughout the world is the creation of apocryphal versions of all kinds. They exist from clothes and perfumes to telephones and the promise of each one is that they are exactly the same as the original models. In reality, it is not like that because there are always differences, in addition to the fact that it is a crime. Although the danger increases when it comes to drugs and everything leads to the identification of various counterfeit Remdesivir batches in our country.
Illegal medicines, the other problem that doctors must combat
In this case, when talking about medicines, the risk is even greater because people’s health is in danger. Not only is a false sense of security created, but the products can cause serious adverse effects in those who consume them.
In this case, all part of a alert published by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris). Through a review, the existence of falsified Remdesivir was identified. It is one of the few approved drugs against Covid-19, although at the moment its use is exclusive to public institutions of the federal and state government that make up the National Health System and highly specialized.
Additionally, Cofepris also identified corovir, bemsivir and desrem, which are not authorized in Mexico. Therefore, any that is marketed involves a federal crime.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Remdesivir
As a result of the constant surveillance of products regulated by this health authority and in follow-up to the alert issued in July 2021, the counterfeiting of four new batches of remdesivir was detected: EN2005A2-B, EN2009D7-Q, CM2022F5 and CA2023G5.
The risk of consuming illegal and counterfeit medicines lies in the lack of evidence on the safety of its ingredients, innocuousness of its preparation, as well as correct storage and distribution. Due to the above, Cofepris recommends not buying drugs that are for emergency use and/or any other that is marketed irregularly.
The characteristics of the counterfeit product consist of: blue and engraved cap; legends and typography not authorized for Mexico; presentation in liquid substance and batches not used by Gilead Sciences.
The health agency calls on authorized distributors, medical personnel, clinics and public hospitals that have stock of this treatment, to verify that they do not belong to the lots EN2005A2-B, EN2009D7-Q, CM2022F5 and CA2023G5. If there are such irregular batches in the warehouse, the supply must be immediately suspended and the corresponding complaint filed with the Cofepris page.
The original drug was approved in March 2021 by the health authority, under the emergency use scheme, that is, it can only be supplied free of charge in the public institutions that make up the National Health System and high specialty. Otherwise, the health authority may apply the pertinent administrative sanctions.
Also read:
Alert! Cofepris identifies 2 batches with falsified Remdesivir in a private hospital
This is the new WHO indication to use remdesivir in Covid-19 patients
Remdesivir in dispute: SSa does not distribute it equally in public and private hospitals
