Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12605
Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.
Publication type: Journal Article
Tajanko E, Sein Anand J, Roszkowska-Kranc K, Kozłowska-Boszko B, Chodorowski Z, Korolkiewicz RP.
[Drug counterfeiting--the risk to the public health].
Przegl Lek. 2007; 64:(4-5):357-9
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17724913?dopt=Abstract
Abstract:
Pharmaceutical counterfeiting and purchasing medicines from illegal distribution channels have become more and more common problem in our country. Different medicines, especially erectile dysfunction drugs are involved. The aim of this study was the qualitative analysis of fake Levitra tablets and the estimation of the risk they bear to potential users. Tablets were secured by the police and delivered to Bayer office in 2006. RESULTS: Trace amount of sildenafil (the active ingredient of Viagra) and not vardenafil (the active ingredient of Levitra) was found in tablets described as “Levitra” (vardenafil). The presence of this substance was discovered by NIR—and Raman spectroscopy. The appearance of tablets and blisters corresponded to the original product. There were no paper boxes and patient information leaflets attached. As prescription medicines erectile dysfunction drugs should be purchased from a pharmacy only. They need to be used under strict medical control.
Keywords:
Carbolines/analysis
Drug Compounding
Drug Contamination/legislation & jurisprudence
Drug Contamination/statistics & numerical data
Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence
Drug Labeling/standards
Drug Packaging/standards
Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy*
Fraud/legislation & jurisprudence*
Fraud/statistics & numerical data
Humans
Imidazoles/analysis
Legislation, Drug/standards
Male
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/chemistry
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/standards*
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/supply & distribution*
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Piperazines/analysis
Poland
Public Health/statistics & numerical data
Purines/analysis
Quality Control
Risk Assessment/statistics & numerical data
Spectrum Analysis, Raman
Sulfones/analysis
Triazines/analysis
