In the Philippines, where healthcare costs can be a challenge for many families, the search for affordable medicines is understandable—but it must never come at the expense of safety.
Counterfeit medicines—those that mimic legitimate drugs but contain incorrect, harmful, or no active ingredients—pose serious risks. These fake products can lead to allergic reactions, treatment failure, drug resistance, or even death. Beyond physical harm, buying from unauthorized sources can also expose consumers to financial fraud and identity theft.1
Protecting Filipino Families from Counterfeit Medicines
Understanding the threat is the first step. Counterfeit drugs are often deliberately mislabeled and may look identical to genuine products. They are not inspected or approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their safety, efficacy, and quality are not guaranteed.
The FDA actively monitors the market and issues public health advisories to warn consumers about counterfeit medicines. It works with law enforcement and other government agencies to investigate and remove these dangerous products from circulation. The public is encouraged to report suspicious medicines and buy only from licensed pharmacies.2
Pfizer’s Global and Local Commitment to Medication Safety
Pfizer is deeply committed to protecting patients from counterfeit medicines. Globally, counterfeit versions of over 100 Pfizer medicines have been identified in more than 116 countries.1 To combat this, Pfizer has launched aggressive anti-counterfeiting campaigns and built specialized laboratories to detect and analyze fake products.
Pfizer’s Global Security team collaborates with law enforcement agencies worldwide, providing training and technical support to help identify and intercept counterfeit medicines. Through international operations such as Interpol’s Operation Pangea, Pfizer has helped seize millions of dollars’ worth of illicit medicines and shut down thousands of illegal online marketplaces.1
In the Philippines, Pfizer supports efforts to raise awareness and strengthen supply chain integrity. As part of the Fight the Fakes campaign, Pfizer shares stories of individuals affected by counterfeit drugs and promotes public education to help prevent future incidents.1
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
To protect yourself and your loved ones:
If you suspect you’ve taken a counterfeit drug, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident through the FDA’s online portal.
Pfizer believes that no one should suffer simply for seeking affordable healthcare. Through innovation, partnerships, and public education, we continue to fight the threat of counterfeit medicines—because every patient deserves safe, effective treatment.3