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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

 

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What these howls of outrage and hurt amount to is that the medical profession is distressed to find its high opinion of itself not shared by writers of [prescription] drug advertising. It would be a great step forward if doctors stopped bemoaning this attack on their professional maturity and began recognizing how thoroughly justified it is.
- Pierre R. Garai (advertising executive) 1963