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).