The Danish Medicines Agency has been made aware that counterfeit Cipralex® packages have been found in pharmacies in Pakistan.
The counterfeit version of Cipralex®, 10mg, pack size 14 tablets, looks like the original packages, yet there are certain differences between the counterfeit and original version. For example, the logo has a different design.
Cipralex® is a medicinal product used to treat depression and anxiety. The counterfeit medicine does not contain the same active substance as the original Cipralex®. In contrast, the counterfeit product has been found to contain traces of other active substances that are used for the treatment of severe obesity and infections.
Through our monitoring activities, we know that Cipralex® has been imported to Denmark from Pakistan by private individuals, so prompting us to issue this warning.
- The Danish Medicines Agency advises persons who have bought Cipralex® in Pakistan to contact their general practitioner.
- Please return any unused medicine to the nearest pharmacy for destruction.
- Treatment with the prescription-only medicine Cipralex® should never be commenced without the advice of a doctor.
The counterfeit medicinal product has not been sold from pharmacies in Denmark.
For further information, please contact Gitte Albæk Christensen, tel. +45 4488 9323 or Rasmus Borup, tel.: +45 4488 9683.
Danish Medicines Agency, 30 April 2008
