Mr Olufemi Fafiolu, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Ogun State Ministry of Health, has cautioned residents of the state against fake drugs.
Fafiolu, who is also the Chairman, Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs in the state, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
He said fake drugs were imitation of the original, either in content, packaging, strength or component and could damage major body organs and shorten life span of consumers.
The pharmacist said drugs that were produced with the aim of deceiving the public could result to lasting negative effect on victims.
According to him, fake drugs could also expire but are recycled with expiry date changed and presented as if they are genuine and wholesome drugs.
“All these drugs pose lasting and unpleasant effects on the users. Apart from being a slow poison, it could cause major organ defects such as kidney failure that could out rightly lead to sudden death,’’ he said.
He urged citizens to always patronise government facilities or accredited pharmaceutical stores to be sure of the drugs they consume.
Fafiolu said that the Taskforce on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs was established by the state government to combat the menace, apprehend and punish fake drug hawkers.
He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of professional distribution chain of drugs either from manufacturers or importers.
The pharmacist said that steps were ongoing to strengthen surveillance against fake and counterfeit drugs around border towns.
