BPOM Finds Counterfeit Codrela and Trivam Fliege Drugs Sold Online
The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has uncovered the circulation of counterfeit medicines under the brands Codrela and Trivam Fliege. Neither product listed a marketing authorisation number on its packaging, and both were sold online. Upon investigation, neither Codrela nor Trivam Fliege was found to be registered with the BPOM.
“Laboratory test results confirmed that Codrela did not contain the active ingredient codeine as stated on the packaging, but instead contained dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine maleate (CTM),” said BPOM Head Taruna Ikrar in a statement on Monday (1/7).
He added that the other counterfeit medicine, Trivam Fliege, was discovered on a marketplace platform. The product claimed to contain 20 mg of the active ingredient propofol. Ikrar noted that in the medical world, propofol is used as an intravenous general anaesthetic for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia and sedation during medical procedures or intensive care. “Propofol is a prescription drug that must be used according to a doctor’s prescription,” he stressed.
In response to these findings, the BPOM has undertaken several follow-up actions. Further surveillance, intelligence tracing, and investigations are being conducted to uncover the source and the parties responsible for producing and/or distributing the counterfeit drugs. The BPOM is also intensifying its monitoring of online media through cyber patrols. From 2023 to March 2026, the agency successfully identified 183 links on marketplaces selling the fake Trivam. The results of this surveillance have been followed up with recommendations for the takedown of links or content promoting counterfeit products, submitted to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA), and the marketplace platforms.
The BPOM will take firm action against any perpetrators proven to be distributing counterfeit medicines, whether online or offline. They face criminal sanctions of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of Rp2 billion. Counterfeit medicines remain a serious threat to public health and safety. They may contain incorrect compositions, too much or too little active ingredient, or no active ingredient at all. In some cases, counterfeit medicines have been found to contain other harmful active substances.
“The BPOM also urges the public to immediately report to the BPOM if they find the circulation of Codrela and Trivam Fliege, whether in offline or online facilities,” appealed the Head of BPOM. He advised the public to be more careful before purchasing or consuming medicines and to ensure that medicines are obtained from official facilities such as pharmacies.