Medicamentos falsificados y subestándar: un problema para la salud pública de Costa Rica y del mundo.
Fecha
2021
Tipo
artículo original
Autores
Sánchez Romero, María Fernanda
Víquez Herrera, Diana
Blanco Barrantes, Jeimy
Quesada Morúa, María Soledad
León Salas, Angie Rebeca
Título de la revista
ISSN de la revista
Título del volumen
Editor
Resumen
La falsificación de medicamentos afecta a todos los países del mundo sin importar su ubicación geográfica o su grado de desarrollo económico. En Costa Rica, se han decomisado importantes cantidades de medicamentos y otros productos de interés sanitario, lo cual evidencia el nivel de la problemática, así como la existencia de un mercado que demanda este tipo de productos. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una revisión de los conceptos más importantes relacionados con medicamentos falsificados y subestándar, además de presentar una revisión de las alertas emitidas por el Ministerio de Salud, desde enero del 2009 y hasta diciembre del 2019. En total, en el país se han publicado un total de 64 alertas con información relevante respecto a la presencia o posible circulación de medicamentos falsificados (n=20) y productos sin registro sanitario aprobado por el Ministerio de Salud de Costa Rica (n=44). Se detallan los casos de medicamentos como vitaminas del complejo B, ceftriaxona y anticonceptivos orales. Además, se resaltan situaciones de robo de productos de interés sanitario de contenedores. Dentro de la sociedad muchos actores pueden jugar un rol importante en la prevención de la falsificación de medicamentos. La autoridad sanitaria debe acompañarse por la industria farmacéutica, los cuerpos policiales, los profesionales de la salud y sus representantes, y toda aquella organización que busque la protección del paciente. Este usuario final, debe también empoderarse de sus tratamientos y conocer los medios más seguros para la obtención y uso racional de sus medicamentos.
The counterfeiting of medicines affects all countries around the world regardless of their geographical location or their economic development. In Costa Rica, large quantities of medicines, and other health-related products, have been confiscated by authorities. This shows how problematic the situation is, and the existence of a market that demands these products. The aim of this study is review of the most important concepts related to counterfeit and substandard medicines. In addition, a review of the alerts issued by the Ministry of Health from January 2009 to December 2019, is presented. In Costa Rica, a total of 64 alerts have been published with relevant information regarding the presence or possible circulation of counterfeit drugs (n = 20) and products without a sanitary registry approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health (n = 44). As examples, we present details of the alerts issued for intramuscular vitamin B complex, ceftriaxone, and oral contraceptives. Within this society, many actors can play an important role in the prevention of counterfeiting medicines. The health authority must be accompanied by the pharmaceutical industry, police forces, health professionals and their representatives, and any organization that seeks the safety of the patient. This end user must also be empowered to understand its treatment and the safest ways for obtaining and rationally use medications.
The counterfeiting of medicines affects all countries around the world regardless of their geographical location or their economic development. In Costa Rica, large quantities of medicines, and other health-related products, have been confiscated by authorities. This shows how problematic the situation is, and the existence of a market that demands these products. The aim of this study is review of the most important concepts related to counterfeit and substandard medicines. In addition, a review of the alerts issued by the Ministry of Health from January 2009 to December 2019, is presented. In Costa Rica, a total of 64 alerts have been published with relevant information regarding the presence or possible circulation of counterfeit drugs (n = 20) and products without a sanitary registry approved by the Costa Rican Ministry of Health (n = 44). As examples, we present details of the alerts issued for intramuscular vitamin B complex, ceftriaxone, and oral contraceptives. Within this society, many actors can play an important role in the prevention of counterfeiting medicines. The health authority must be accompanied by the pharmaceutical industry, police forces, health professionals and their representatives, and any organization that seeks the safety of the patient. This end user must also be empowered to understand its treatment and the safest ways for obtaining and rationally use medications.
Descripción
Palabras clave
Medicamentos falsificados, Medicamentos subestándar, Medicamento, Counterfeit drugs, Substandard drugs, Medication