THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, March 21, 2025, warned the public against the presence of counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines in the market.
Based on Advisory No. 2025-0142, the public is warned against the use of "Purified Rabies Vaccine (Vero Cell) (Speeda) 2.5 I.U. Freeze-Dried Powder for Injection (IM/ID)" with Batch No.: 202310192AX and Exp. Date: Sep. 28, 2026/ with Sterile Water for Injection with Batch No.: 28221010-3 and Exp. Date: Sep. 28, 2026.
"All healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of this counterfeit drug product in the market," said the FDA.
It noted how the counterfeit version has print appearance that is not comparable with the standard features of the registered product.
"The FDA advises the public against the purchase and use of the counterfeit version of the product," said the FDA.
In order to avoid such products, the agency urged consumers to purchase drug products only from FDA-licensed establishments.
It also warned all establishments and outlets against selling and/or dispensing the said counterfeit product with the said features.
The FDA called on local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that counterfeit products are not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)