UAE pharmacists say counterfeits still sold in Abu Dhabi shops
May 16, 2006
The number of pharmacies selling counterfeit drugs in the nation’s capital has increased over the last several months, claim Abu Dhabi-based pharmacists.
Representatives of those same shops are concerned that the general public may be at risk and have called for authorities to clamp down on any UAE pharmacy knowingly attempting to sell fake drugs to consumers.
“I have owned my pharmacy [Ahood Pharmacy] here for more than 10 years, and I am dismayed to think that fake drugs are still being sold in shops around town,” said Kamruddin Ayya, a pharmacist and owner of the Ahood Pharmacy on Abu Dhabi’s Murror Street.
“The issue is not about competition among shops; it’s about the safety of consumers. When someone thinks he’s buying Viagra, but he is really buying some other substance, that’s scary. These shops should be closed for such a clear violation of UAE law.”
Viagra has been cited by nearly every pharmacist questioned as the number one drug copied by counterfeiters.
Pfizer’s Viagra drug, sold in 50mg tablets, is the world’s leading erectile dysfunction therapy, and has been used to treat more than 27 million men in over 120 countries.