Counterfeit Drug Aftermath Still Plagues Panama
In 2006, 116 people were confirmed dead in Panama after the government distributed cough syrup, antihistamine tablets, calamine lotion and rash ointment that was unknowingly made with counterfeit glycerin, a sweetener and thickening agent commonly used in medication. The Panamanian government believed they were receiving 99.5 percent pure glycerin from a Spanish distribution company. In reality, what they bought was diethylene glycol, the poisonous chemical commonly found in antifreeze and brake fluid, which the original Chinese manufacturer passed off as glycerin.
In 2006, 116 people were confirmed dead in Panama after the government distributed cough syrup, antihistamine tablets, calamine lotion and rash ointment that was unknowingly made with counterfeit glycerin, a sweetener and thickening agent commonly used in medication. The Panamanian government believed they were receiving 99.5 percent pure glycerin from a Spanish distribution company. In reality, what they bought was diethylene glycol, the poisonous chemical commonly found in antifreeze and brake fluid, which the original Chinese manufacturer passed off as glycerin.
Three years later, Panama is still dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy as they test the nearly 7,000 bottles of medicines turned in during the recall. Investigators announced last Friday that 1,155 of these bottles tested positive for the deadly chemical and they are waiting for thousands of more test results. As authorities track down the patient names on the bottles, the official death toll is expected to rise.
Incidents such as this showcase the devastation that counterfeit drugs have on public health — especially when these illicit goods are made with poisonous substances — as well as the global scale of the problem. A map published by The New York Times displays the complicated global route that one counterfeit drug took on its way from manufacture to consumer. The counterfeit drug originated in China and found its way into the hands of American consumers after making six stops around the globe on its way.
The moral of this tragic story is that counterfeit drugs are often hard to avoid and the responsibility, unfortunately often lies in the hands of the consumer. The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) has a number of resources you can use to protect yourself from counterfeit drugs, including our Consumer Resources guide. We encourage you to read through this information and share it with your loved ones. For more information on resources of the PSM, visit www.safemedicines.org.