[Drug counterfeiting--the risk to the public health]

Przegl Lek. 2007;64(4-5):357-9.
[Article in Polish]

Tajanko E, Sein Anand J, Roszkowska-Kranc K, Kozlowska-Boszko B, Chodorowski Z, Korolkiewicz RP.

Dzial Medyczny, Bayer Sp. z o.o. elzbieta.tajanko.et@bayer-ag.de

Pharmaceutical counterfeiting and purchasing medicines from illegal distribution channels have become more and more common problem in our country. Different medicines, especially erectile dysfunction drugs are involved. The aim of this study was the qualitative analysis of fake Levitra tablets and the estimation of the risk they bear to potential users. Tablets were secured by the police and delivered to Bayer office in 2006. RESULTS: Trace amount of sildenafil (the active ingredient of Viagra) and not vardenafil (the active ingredient of Levitra) was found in tablets described as “Levitra” (vardenafil). The presence of this substance was discovered by NIR–and Raman spectroscopy. The appearance of tablets and blisters corresponded to the original product. There were no paper boxes and patient information leaflets attached. As prescription medicines erectile dysfunction drugs should be purchased from a pharmacy only. They need to be used under strict medical control.

• [Medication of the month. Vardenafil (Levitra)]
• Vardenafil Bayer Yakuhin.
• [Prediction of clinical efficacy of levitra (vardenafil) in patients with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction]
• Identification of a new analogue of sildenafil added illegally to a functional food marketed for penile erectile dysfunction.
• Medication utilization behavior in patients receiving phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.