The Ministry of Health was alerted about the detection of a fake version of the drug Dorival tablets distributed in Costa Rica.

Dorival is a menstrual pain analgesic of ibuprofen of 200 mg. These products are marketed by the Bayer Company.

According to the ministry, the fake product was detected after receiving a complaint about the sale of some units in a small market located in downtown San José City in San José Province. 

The name of the market was not disclosed by the authorities.

When inspected by authorities, they found the fake treatment mentioned in the complaint in tablets, in damaged packaging and the expiration date erased.  

The Bayer Company firm confirmed that the product found by the agents is counterfeit.

Among the main differences between the counterfeit and the original is the fake label. It doesn't contain information such as a lot number or expiration date. Also, the counterfeit products do not have a security seal or original label. 

Also, the design of the packaging for the tablets seems to differ from the original packaging.

Fake containers tend to be easily detected because there are cuts and black lines on the edges, authorities said.

The counterfeit drug was analyzed in the ministry's laboratories, where it was determined that it contained several ingredients where there is no certainty about the origin or the conditions of preparation, storage, transport and handling.

"A counterfeit drug can put people's lives at risk. Under no circumstances should people use this counterfeit product," the ministry said in its statement.

The agents of the ministry continue with the investigations of the medicines found in that store.

Authorities warn that these products should only be purchased in pharmacies or supermarkets legally registered in Costa Rica.

However, people who have suspicions of the sale of these products can make a complaint by calling the ministry at (506) 2223-0333.

According to the General Health Law, the import, manufacture, trade, and distribution of damaged, adulterated or falsified medicines are forbidden. The people or companies that sell these products could be shut down and the owners face criminal penalties.

A.M. Costa Rica urges readers to share this alert with their contacts.

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Where have you seen these fake Dorival products on the market?  We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com