- It is estimated that around 10% of the medicines marketed in the world are counterfeit or of illicit origin.
- So far, the counterfeit medicine denounced by the WHO has been identified in the United Arab Emirates and in Kyrgyzstan.
- It is an antithrombotic drug used to treat severe veno-occlusive disease in adults and children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants.
Health is a universal right and it is also the principle to have a full life. The problem is that there are many adversities that go beyond health coverage. One quite serious and which has just been reported globally consists of a counterfeit medication. The main risk is that its illicit commercialization has already been detected in several nations.
Description of the apocryphal drug
With this in mind, The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a health alert. According to the information, it is a counterfeit batch of DEFITELIO® (sodium defibrotide). It was first detected in the United Arab Emirates and publicly notified by the NRA in November 2022. The counterfeit batch was also detected in Kyrgyzstan in March 2023.
In addition, counterfeit products have also been found with packaging from the United Kingdom and Ireland and with packaging from the United States of America.
Defibrotide is an antithrombotic drug used to treat severe veno-occlusive disease in adults and children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Veno-occlusive disease manifests with obstruction of the hepatic veins, which prevents the liver from working properly.
UAE & Kyrgyzstan: Fake batches of defibrotide sodium (DEFITELIO) emerged https://t.co/bCO6byXjmN pic.twitter.com/qN92rTFJKP
—Dr Richard Jähnke (@GPHF) April 14, 2023
How to recognize the counterfeit medicine?
The authentic manufacturer of DEFITELIO® has confirmed that the products to which this alert refers are counterfeit. In the analytical tests carried out on a sample of the counterfeit product, it was confirmed that it did not contain the declared active ingredient. In addition, the authentic manufacturer has warned that:
- The indicated lot number 19G19A is not an authentic DEFITELIO® lot number.
- The expiration dates are falsified.
- In the counterfeit US package with lot number 19G19A expiring 01/2025, the vial it contains has a different lot number (M06B466E) which is not authentic.
Risks for the consumption of counterfeit medicine
The use of counterfeit DEFITELIO® results in ineffective treatment of patients and may cause other serious health risks because it is administered intravenously and is life-threatening under certain circumstances.
At this time, WHO is not aware of any reports of adverse events following the use of counterfeit DEFITELIO®, but the toxicity, sterility, and quality of the counterfeit products to which this alert refers are unknown.
What to do in case of identifying the counterfeit medicine?
The WHO recommends that if someone is in possession of this counterfeit medicineYou should not consume it under any circumstances. And if it is used or there is any reaction or unexpected adverse event after using it, it is mandatory to consult a health professional immediately.
For their part, if doctors recognize the counterfeit medicine described, they must immediately notify the corresponding health authority.
Also read:
Cofepris publishes a list of 7 counterfeit and illegal drugs: Rivotril, Buscapina and more
Counterfeit drugs against breast cancer and diabetes: So you can identify them
Official Cofepris manual to identify counterfeit medicines