FDA Issues Urgent Warning About Counterfeit Anti-Rabies Vaccine in Davao Markets
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical public health advisory regarding the discovery of counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine circulating in the market, with particular concern for the Davao region. The regulatory body has sounded the alarm about potentially dangerous fake medical products that could compromise public health and safety.
Specific Counterfeit Product Identified
In its official Advisory 2025-1642, the FDA specifically warned about a counterfeit version of "Anti-Rabies Serum (Equine) (Equirab) 200 IU/mL (1000 IU/5mL) Solution for Injection (IM/SC)." The agency emphasized that while an authentic version of this batch exists in legitimate markets, consumers must exercise extreme caution to avoid the counterfeit alternative.
"The concerned batch of Equirab has an authentic counterpart available in the market," clarified the FDA in its official statement. "Therefore, all healthcare professionals and the general public are hereby warned as to the availability of this counterfeit drug product in the market."
Serious Health Risks and Regulatory Actions
The health regulatory agency stressed that consuming or administering the counterfeit vaccine could lead to significant adverse health effects. "This counterfeit drug product in the market may pose potential danger or injury to consumers," warned the FDA, highlighting the critical importance of verifying pharmaceutical authenticity.
The FDA has implemented several regulatory measures in response to this threat:
- All healthcare establishments and retail outlets have been formally warned against selling or dispensing the counterfeit product
- Strict penalties will be imposed on anyone found distributing the fake vaccine
- Local government units and law enforcement agencies have been mobilized to monitor markets and prevent the product's availability
Community-Wide Response Required
The FDA has called upon all local government units and law enforcement agencies throughout the Philippines, with particular emphasis on Davao region authorities, to ensure that this counterfeit product is neither sold nor made available within their jurisdictions. This coordinated approach aims to create multiple layers of protection against potentially harmful pharmaceutical products entering the legitimate supply chain.
Healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and consumers are urged to exercise heightened vigilance when purchasing or administering anti-rabies vaccines, particularly verifying product authenticity through authorized distributors and healthcare providers. The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary to protect public health.
