FDA Warns About Counterfeit Mexican Drugs
U.S. consumers are being warned about counterfeit versions of the drugs Lipitor, Viagra and an unapproved product promoted as "generic Evista" that are being sold at pharmacies in Mexican border towns.
Consumers who have any of these products should not use them and contact their health-care provider immediately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
Analysis of these counterfeit products found they contained no active ingredients and may pose a health threat to consumers. For example, people who take the counterfeit version of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug, could be at long-term risk for various complications caused by high cholesterol levels, the FDA said.
Women who take the "generic Evista" product may be at risk for developing osteoporosis or for progression of existing osteoporosis. The genuine Evista is an osteoporosis treatment and prevention medication for postmenopausal women, the FDA said.
The counterfeit Lipitor and Viagra were labeled only in English. Legitimate Mexican pharmaceuticals are usually labeled in Spanish. The counterfeit Lipitor was sold in round, white plastic bottles, whereas authentic Lipitor in Mexico is sold only in boxes of blister packs, the agency said.
The "generic Evista" is labeled as "Raloxifeno, fenilox, 50 tabletas, 60mg," made or distributed by Litio, and manufactured in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The label has red triangles across the top and bottom, the FDA said.
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