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The Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED) issued an alert regarding the circulation of several counterfeit medications amidst a serious shortage in Cuba, which has led to an increase in the marketing of adulterated drugs.
The situation has raised concern among the population, especially among those who rely on regular treatments for chronic illnesses.
On its social media, CECMED warned about the circulation of the following counterfeit products:
TIOCTAN PLUS box of 100 coated tablets (Batch: 20821692)
OXYDONNA 20 mg, box of 30 extended-release coated tablets (Lots: 20467072 - immediate packaging / 11058698 - final packaging)
ZATRIX 0.5 mg, blister pack of 10 tablets (Batch: 11037469)
BRONPAX 7.5 mg, oral solution drops, box containing 1 bottle (Lot: 21185882)
DORMEX 7.5 mg, blister pack of 10 coated tablets (Batch: 20467112)
Furthermore, the agency recommended that the public refrain from purchasing the indicated lots of the products DOLO NEUROBION NF (capsule) and DOLO NEUROBION FORTE (injectable solution), as their origin, manufacturing conditions, and storage are unknown, which could compromise their quality, safety, and efficacy.
Similarly, the General Directorate of Medicines, Supplies, and Drugs of Peru also issued a warning about the counterfeiting of these products:
DOLO NEUROBION NF Capsule with identified lot number 2110173, which was imported, but whose expiration date does not correspond to that lot.
DOLO NEUROBION FORTE injectable solution, with batch number M28568, which had not been imported or marketed by the holder of the health registry.
These medications have been deemed counterfeit products, and health authorities recommend avoiding their purchase, as their origin and the conditions of manufacturing and storage are unknown, which jeopardizes their safety and effectiveness.
CECMED has requested healthcare professionals to notify them at the email address vigilancia@cecmed.cu or by calling 72164372, 72164352, and 72164136 in case they identify these products or detect suspected adverse reactions associated with their use.
ANTECEDENTES DE ALERTAS PREVIAS
This is not the first time alerts have been issued regarding the circulation of counterfeit medications on the island. In August 2024, CECMED issued a warning about the sale of adulterated drugs, notifying about the circulation of products without quality or safety guarantees for consumers.
On that occasion, they noted the circulation of Dobutamine, Erbitux, Ramiven, Acetaminophen, Dolo-Neurobión Forte (in injectable solution form), and Eutirox in Mexico and El Salvador.
In November 2022, health authorities also warned about the sale of counterfeit medications, highlighting the presence of unregulated products in the black market. These situations have revealed a recurring issue related to the shortage of medical supplies in the country.
This type of alert is issued on the island after the government established and extended the importation of duty-free medicines without limits on quantity to alleviate the shortage of medications, which means that some of the drugs introduced into the country could be "fake" or intended for conditions different from those assumed.
International organizations have previously warned about the dangers of counterfeit medicines and the need to strengthen control mechanisms to prevent their proliferation.
These irregularities can jeopardize patients' health by not receiving the appropriate treatment or, in the worst-case scenario, experiencing severe adverse effects.
Frequently asked questions about the circulation of adulterated medications in Cuba
What medications have been identified as counterfeit in Cuba?
The Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED) has identified several counterfeit medications in Cuba, including TIOCTAN PLUS, OXYDONNA 20 mg, ZATRIX 0.5 mg, BRONPAX 7.5 mg, and DORMEX 7.5 mg. Additionally, it is recommended not to purchase certain batches of DOLO NEUROBION NF and DOLO NEUROBION FORTE due to a lack of information regarding their origin and manufacturing conditions. These medications have been considered counterfeit products and their consumption could be dangerous.
What is the impact of the shortage of medications in Cuba?
The shortage of medications in Cuba is a serious crisis that affects the entire population, especially patients with chronic illnesses who rely on regular treatments. More than 70% of essential drugs are either unavailable or present significant access difficulties. This situation has led to an increase in the black market for medicines and a greater circulation of counterfeit drugs, putting citizens' health at risk.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the medication crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented some measures to address the medication crisis, such as extending the tariff exemption for the importation of medicines by travelers and approving a self-financing scheme in foreign currency for the Public Health sector and BioCubaFarma. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the shortage, and the problem persists, severely affecting the population.
How does the circulation of counterfeit medications affect the Cuban population?
The circulation of counterfeit drugs in Cuba puts consumers' health at risk, as they may not receive the appropriate treatment or suffer from severe adverse effects. Counterfeit products lack quality and safety assurance, which exacerbates the healthcare crisis in the country and increases the population's distrust towards the supply of medications.
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