UAE pharmacists say counterfeits still sold in Abu Dhabi shops: Biggest knock-off drug is Viagra

 

(ArabMedicare.com News) The number of pharmacies selling counterfeit drugs in the nation's capital has increased over the last several months, claim Abu Dhabi-based pharmacists.

Representatives of those same shops are concerned that the general public may be at risk and have called for authorities to clamp down on any UAE pharmacy knowingly attempting to sell fake drugs to consumers.

"I have owned my pharmacy here for more than 10 years, and I am dismayed to think that fake drugs are still being sold in shops around town," said Kamruddin Ayya, a pharmacist and owner of the Ahood Pharmacy on Abu Dhabi's Murror Street.

"The issue is not about competition among shops; it's about the safety of consumers. When someone thinks he's buying Viagra (sildenafil citrate), but he is really buying some other substance, that's scary. These shops should be closed for such a clear violation of UAE law."

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) has been cited by nearly every pharmacist questioned as the number one drug copied by counterfeiters.

Produced by the American-based Pfizer Corporation, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is sold in 50mg tablets in over 120 countries as a treatment therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED).