BPOM told to audit drug sales

BPOM told to audit drug sales

JAKARTA: The Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) should have
all data reported by pharmaceutical companies and distributors
audited, which is the only way to control the illegal
distribution of drugs, an observer says.

BPOM now demands that all pharmaceutical companies and
distributors submit quarterly production and distribution
reports.

Indonesian Health Consumers Empowerment Foundation head Marius
Widjajarta said last week that in May alone his office had found
fake Voltaren 50 (Novartis) and Cialis pills being sold at a
drugstore.

The colors of the tablets were different from the originals,
which are light brown, he said.

Voltaren 50 is used for muscle inflammation and Cialis is used
to treat erectile dysfunction.

The fake Cialis pills, he said, came in a box with two
blisters. The originals come in a box with one blister,
consisting two tablets each. -- JP