The Vietnam Drug Administration announced on May 20 that three fake drugs without clear origins are being sold in Vietnam.

They are capsule Ampicillin 500mg, lot number 050508, made by Thanh Hoa Joint-Stock Pharmaceutical Company; Zenatop 250mg, lot  number 0803004, made by Clesstra Healthcare Pvt Company Ltd.(India) and imported by TV. Pharm Pharmaceutical Company; and Voltaren 50mg made by Novartis.

However, they all have legitimate register numbers and their producers are allowed to sell these products in the country.

The VDA has also told consumers to look out for signs to discover these fake drugs. Ampicillin’s usage direction leaflet has a spelling mistake, the right side of the Zenatop strip has the legend “1x10 tables,” and Voltaren has a cut on each pill.

On the same day, the drug watchdog also suspended circulation of two medicines, Ciprofloxacin 500mg and Happy xoang, for failing to meet Vietnamese solubility and purity standards.

Ciprofloxacin is made by Shinpoong Daewoo Pharmaceutical Company and is used to treat respiratory infections, gynecological problems, and meningitis. 

Happy xoang is made by Hoa Sen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Company in the northern province of Nam Dinh.