The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has issued a warning against using unlicensed blood glucose meter and other medications that are being sold illegally in the nation, according to a report in Emarat Al Youm.
The ministry issues the warning in the form of a circular, mentioning the products – Accu-Chek Performa Blood Glucose Meter and Accu-Chek Active Strips – which are being sold without proper investigation by the local authorized sponsor.
Officials said the process has not been guaranteeing the safety in the distribution and storage of the products before entering the market for sales. They said this process might alter the test results.
The batches include Accu-Chek Performa Strips and Accu-Chek Active Strips that are available in batches of 50’s.
The officials advised patients to purchase the glucometer only from authorized dealers. They also urged pharmacies to stop the sale of the mentioned batches immediately.
In addition, the ministry of health has cautioned consumers against using sexual supplements and weight loss supplements because they may contain ingredients that are not mentioned on the packaging.
The officials said the sexual supplement for men, called Black Storm, has been found to contain Sildenafil, a prescription drug that could decrease blood pressure to a potentially dangerous level, especially if taken along with nitrates. Black Storm is illegal and must be taken away from the market.
The circular warned people against using a weight loss supplement called ‘Kulchaya Sheaya Lender’ because it contained unknown ingredients. Patients have also been asked to avoid consuming all batches of Paracetamol 500, produced by M&A Pharmachem Ltd. because they were contaminated by fungus. The product has been withdrawn from the market.
