Posts by psm2016
Pfizer UK “RealDanger” campaign
In January 2009, Pfizer in the UK produced a pretty commercial to get people to pay attention to the dangers of counterfeit drugs. Visit their website at RealDanger.co.uk or click on the still image at right to see the video.
[...]Inside the World of Counterfeit Drugs
Part 1: Your critical role in safe medicines — In recent blog entries, the Partnership for Safe Medicines’ (PSM) experts have warned consumers and pharmacists of the dangers that counterfeit drugs pose, recapped legislation surrounding these issues and highlighting incidents of counterfeit drugs from across the world. However, this month we have invited guest blogger Gregory Zec to share his thoughts on some current drug safety issues. This week, Gregory uses a fictional consumer’s experiences (which he based on real patients’ stories) to explore the confusion many patients encounter from when they receive repackaged, imported prescription drugs from a legitimate pharmacy.
[...]Dangerous Assumptions Drawn From List of Permitted Countries
Periodically proposals are floated both in Washington, DC and state capitols that would allow Americans to import drugs from 32 “permitted” countries – Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the 27 members of the European Union. There is a perception that these countries have “safe” drug supplies insulated from the dangers that every other nation in the world.
[...]Warning for Counterfeit Insulin Pens
Health Care Inspectorate Warns of Counterfeit Insulin Needles Products counterfeited: Insulin needles Lot numbers: 08J02S Countries known affected: Netherlands, UK, Poland Investigating agency contact: Inspectie Voor de Gezondheidszorg Manufacturers information: Novo Nordisk Posted on/updated: July 2009 View Larger Map The Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate [Inspectie voor de Gezondheidszorg (IGZ)] has issued a public warning following…
[...]Tougher Penalties for Counterfeiters Under Consideration
On June 4, Rep. Steve J. Israel (D-NY) introduced the Counterfeit Enforcement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2726). This proposed legislation, which would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, increases penalties for the sale of contraband or counterfeit drugs. If passed, this legislation brings to life many of the ideas that the Partnership for Safe Medicines advocates in the Principles for Drug Safety.
[...]FDA MedWatch Safety Alert: Nationwide Recalls of Dietary Supplement Stamina-Rx
Posted June 22, 2009 Nationwide Recalls of Dietary Supplement Stamina-Rx Unapproved Ingredient Present in Supplement Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals notified patients and healthcare professionals of a nationwide recall of all products sold under the name Stamina-Rx. FDA lab analysis found that the product contained the undeclared ingredient − benzamidenafil. Benzamidenafil is…
[...]Nyadong L, Harris GA, Balayssac S, Galhena AS, Malet-Martino M, Martino R, Parry RM, Wang MD, Fernández FM, Gilard V. Combining two-dimensional diffusion-ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, imaging desorption electrospray ionization mass spe
During the past decade, there has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases involving counterfeit medicines in developing and developed countries. Particularly, artesunate-based antimalarial drugs have been targeted, because of their high demand and cost. Counterfeit antimalarials can cause death and can contribute to the growing problem of drug resistance, particularly in…
[...]Congress on the Right Road to Stop Drug Counterfeiters
Earlier this year, Reps. John D. Dingell (D-MI 15), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ 06) and Bart Stupak (D-MI 01) introduced the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act of 2009 (H.R.759). This legislation indicates that Congress is fbeginning an important journey to address several real threats that substandard and counterfeit drugs pose to the pharmaceutical supply chain.
[...]FDA Warns Public About Stolen Levemir Insulin
Novo Nordisk product previously reported as stolen in North Carolina has resurfaced recently at a medical center in Houston. Originally posted June 16, 2009 FDA notified patients and healthcare professionals that some stolen vials of the long-acting insulin Levemir made by Novo Nordisk Inc. are being sold in the U.S. market, may not have been…
[...]To Import or Not To Import
That is the question that many of our lawmakers are asking. Senators Dorgan (D-ND), Snowe (R-ME), McCain (R-AZ) and Stabenow (D-MI) brought that question to the forefront when they introduced the “Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009” (S. 525) in March. Currently waiting to be placed on the Senate calendar, the bill would allow for prescription drug importation.
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