How to use FDA's 'improved' portal to verify medicines and other products
As issues over unauthorized medicine have been coming to light recently, the Food and Drug Administration has rolled out an "upgraded" version of its virtual verification portal to help the public easily check the legitimacy of medicines and ensure they are buying approved products in the Philippines.
In a statement on their Facebook page, the Department of Health announced that the portal has been functional since Jan. 27 and features a new voice search covering a variety of items.
These include food, medicine, cosmetics, and establishments where the product was bought.
"Katuwang ng bagong feature na ito ang search bar kung saan pwedeng i-type ang: keyword, pangalan ng produkto, registration number, pangalan ng kumpanya," DOH stated.
"Magsisilbing consolidated platform ang portal na magagamit ng publiko, consumer man o nagnenegosyo, para tiyakin ang authenticity ng produkto o regulasyon nito," they added.
Secretary of Health Ted Herbosa noted how companies release hundreds of products, and many of these may not always be registered with the FDA, making it crucial for consumers to verify what they are buying.
"Marami tayong mga fake at counterfeit medicines. Dito, ang payo namin, especially ngayon sa social media, ang daming nagbebenta ng unregistered. Bawal po 'yun eh. Considered contraband 'yun. At dito tayo pwedeng mapahamak, kapag bumili tayo ng tinatawag na unregistered medicines, unregistered na mga pagkain," he said in an interview.
He highlighted how the new portal is going to be "very simple."
"Voice activated na. Babasahin mo lang iyong brand ng gamot tapos malalaman mo na, lalabas na doon kung registered or not registered.
How to use the portal
You can access the portal through this link, where you'll be met with the search bar with the instructions, "Type or press mic icon to begin search."
Once you've typed in the product, the portal will quickly show you all the certificates of product registration that they have recorded.
This includes details such as their classification, manufacturer, trader, issuance date, expiry date, and more.
The portal will also show a record of FDA's advisories regarding that certain product, such as warnings or safety alerts that have been issued.
The improved verification site comes as the DOH previously warned against fake endorsements of thyroid disease and goiter supplements circulating online.
The agency clarified that it does not endorse any supplement claiming to treat thyroid or goiter conditions and that products circulating online are not approved by the agency or its officials.
They reminded the public to remain cautious and to obtain verified information only from official sources so as to avoid the spread of misinformation and potential harm.
