‘Beware of fake paracetamol’

BACOLOD City – To avoid fake paracetamol, buy only from reputable drug stores, according to the deputy for medical and data analysis of the city government’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Dr. Chris Sorongon said reports reached the EOC that there is a high demand for paracetamol now.

Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches. It can also be used to reduce fever.

The high demand for paracetamol could result to some people unknowingly buying fake ones, said Sorongon.

“Indi magbakal sang paracetamol sa kilid-kilid lang nga baligyaan sang barangay. Wala ka kabalo kon diin ina naghalin. Basi peke ina,” said Sorongon.

People should also check the brand name and expiry date, he added.

Sorongon stressed that there is no shortage of paracetamol in Bacolod City and that there are hundreds of paracetamol brands to choose from.

Drug stores are limiting the sale of paracetamol in this city to avoid hoarding.

The national government has placed a limit on the number of paracetamol and certain types of medicines an individual or household can buy as the number of mild coronavirus cases isolating at home continues to rise.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have released a joint memorandum placing a purchase limit or cap for paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, carbocisteine, and chlorphenamine maleate paracetamol.

For paracetamol tablet (500 mg), it is 20 per individual buyer, or 60 per household.

Nakasaad rin sa joint memorandum na ito na bawal ang online selling ng nasabing gamot unless otherwise permitted by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration],” Nograles said.

Individuals who will violate the memorandum will be penalized under applicable provisions under the Price Act, Consumer Act of the Philippines, and other relevant laws.

For its part, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said supplies of paracetamol and other flu medicines at drugstores will start to normalize as manufacturers of these medicines have started to deliver supplies to drug stores.

Trade secretary Ramon Lopez said due to the surge in demand for paracetamol and flu drugs after the New Year, pharmacies have ordered three times more of their normal orders of these medicines./PN

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