FDA warns vs fake multivitamins

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the public yesterday against buying fake multivitamins being sold online.

In Advisory 2013-043, the FDA said the counterfeit Centrum and Centrum Silver multivitamin and mineral tablets were being sold on the web thru Beeconomic Philippines, Inc., owned and operated by Groupon Philippines.

The FDA noted the products are considered counterfeit, as defined by Republic Act 8203 or the Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs.

Based on the investigation of the FDA, the labels of the fake products were found different from the registered ones.

 â€œSo far, the FDA has not yet issued any guidelines on (the) online sale or advertisement of pharmaceutical products. The FDA hereby warns the public from buying medicines online until such time that the FDA can assure the safety, efficacy and quality of medicine sold through this medium,” it said.

The FDA had advised consumers to buy their medicine only from “FDA-licensed establishments and outlets.”