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28 March 2024

Fake sex pills seized from Abu Dhabi shops

Published
By Anjana Sankar

Fake sex pills and other counterfeit products like creams and sprays for sexual enhancement have been seized in hundreds from popular supermarkets and herbal shops in the capital this year by the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD),  Emirates 24/7 has learnt.

The counterfeit drugs that came under labels like Vigrx, Maxman, CowLonglast etc. were mainly imported from countries like China, India and Thailand.

A senior official told this website that the drugs sold over the counter (OTC) were found to have serious health consequences.

“The products were all counterfeit, and came with promises of magical results for penis enlargement and improving sexual performance. People seeking quick results fall prey for these products that are sold at cheap prices,” said the official.

Haad has also warned the public against using products that are sold in herbal shops with claims that they are hundred per cent natural and hence have no side effects. After screening a few samples of sexual enhancement products like creams, chewing gums and sprays that Emirates24/7 obtained from a herbal shop, Haad confirmed that none of those are genuine.

“Many of these products have medical claims. But unfortunately they are marketed and supplied in supermarkets and natural shops as natural health products and without registration from the Ministry of Health.

These products are adulterated and contain substances that are not declared on the label, including ingredients that are considered prescription medications or other potentially dangerous ingredients. Consumption of these products can lead to serious health risks,” said the official.

Last year, Haad had confiscated fake Viagra pills and other counterfeit drugs from supermarkets after audit inspectors posed as mystery shoppers.

Since 2010, Haad quality auditors conducted 1,127 visits to pharmaceutical facilities, supermarkets and herbal centres, where hundreds of fake and expired medication was confiscated, some of which included: Viagra; Snafi and Levitra (sexual enhancers); Phyto-shape Lesvos (weight loss); Suprax (Anti-biotic); and Olay Total Effect (cosmetics).

Customers who come across suspicious products can contact Haad on 800800 or send an email to www.counterfeit@haad.ae


New electronic system to monitor dispensing of psychiatric drugs

Dubai Police, in co-operation with the Ministry of Health, has designed an electronic system for dispensing drugs to patients undergoing psychiatric treatment.

The new system is expected to curb doctors and  pharmacists from manipulating information to give patients doses of medicines larger than prescribed. The Ministry of Health alone will have control over the new system.

The new system will be implemented in all hospitals and clinics, including state hospitals and 2,000 clinics and pharmacies in the Northern Emirates.

The new system will cover all psychiatric clinics, doctors and pharmacies. It will include names of patients undergoing treatment with psychiatric medicines or anesthetics and their complete medical reports.