The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert regarding a falsified drug called COMBIART (combination of artemether and lumefantrine) identified in Chad, in Ivory Coast and at Mali.
Genuine COMBIART is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum, and effective in geographic areas where resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Distinctive features of forgery:
- The expiration date on the package is 10/2021, while the expiration date on the blister is 10/2022.
- The blister pack of the falsified product bears a Tanzanian registration number: TZ13H260.
Photographs of products covered by WHO Medical Alert n ° 8/2021
Travel advice
Substandard and falsified medical products are a growing problem around the world. A wide variety of fake drugs are available, including antimalarials, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and vaccines. Life-saving drugs used for the prevention and treatment of malaria are often adulterated in countries where malaria is a serious risk.
If during your trip you need medicine for a new illness or condition, you should:
- only buy medicines from a reputable pharmacy or medical establishment during your stay abroad and always get a receipt;
- examine the packaging carefully for signs of poor printing, spelling or labeling, which may suggest a counterfeit;
- Avoid obtaining medications from people or suppliers who are not related to a reputable pharmacy or medical facility.
If you take medication on a regular or intermittent basis, you should obtain it before traveling, especially if there is reason to doubt the legitimacy of the medication or medical products at your destination. This is especially the case if you are recommended to take antimalarial drugs.
Source : Public Health Scotland, Fitfortravel ; World Health Organization (WHO).
Disease: Malaria
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