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