Drugstores warned vs price hike

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned drugstores to refrain from increasing prices of medicine for water-borne diseases.

With the projected high demand for medicine, the FDA said drugstores should maintain the prices of essential drugs such as antibiotics, pain relievers, antipyretics, oral rehydration solution and skin ointment.

Victims of Tropical Storm Maring and monsoon rains still housed in evacuation centers are suffering from fever, colds, flu and cough.

“All establishments, including drug outlets, are advised not to take advantage of the increase in demand by raising prices of medicine,” the FDA said.

It advised against donating medicine that are nearing expiration date.

“The medicine should be in the original commercial presentation, package or box with product inserts to ensure proper monitoring, reporting and investigation of possible adverse drug reactions,” the FDA said.