Counterfeit drugs that make people sick
In December, 1.5 million doses were seized in Guayaquil, Quito and Santo Domingo, among which was Viagra, the morning after pill and cholesterol pills. Machines that produced up to 3,600 tablets per hour was even seized. In the last decade it has been found everything, from blisters filled with dirty water and dye, to pills made with paint and talc, to treat cancer, HIV, heart problems …
Eduardo Abril, who performs more than 350 heart surgeries a year, reminds that the doctor prescribes what the patient needs for his condition. If the patient buys counterfeit _ or expired drugs, the disease will continue and can this can deteriorate the condition.
Many people that desire to get cheaper medicines are at risk. Others still buy them online, where many illegal products are also offered.
According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 10% of medicines offered worldwide are counterfeit. And in Ecuador? The latest data presented on its impact on the region show up to 30%. In addition, it is estimated that this illegal business generates profits of more than $ 100 million a year in the country, according to the Association of Pharmaceutical Laboratories of Ecuador (ALFE).
Source: http://expreso.ec/expreso/plantillas/nota.aspx?idart=8842233&idcat=38269&tipo=2