The order also mandated the quarantine of the counterfeit product, which closely resembles the authentic Lictacold in packaging and appearance.

The directive followed reports of counterfeit Litacold circulating within Cameroon, despite the absence of authorization for marketing (Amm) from the Ministry of Public Health. The authentic Litacold is approved under authorization number 1138201, issued on October 22, 2018, and manufactured by Generic Healthcare Pvt Ltd, India.

More Counterfeit Medicines Found on the Market

Litacold is not the only counterfeit product flagged by the Ministry. On November 4, 2024, the Minister also alerted the public about fake versions of Cyteal Foaming Solution (250 ml bottles) on the market, based on a notification from the pharmaceutical company Pierre Fabre Médicament.

Key indicators of the fake Cyteal included:

Reused bottles that appeared worn.
Packaging in plastic bundles of three rather than individual units.
A detergent-like odor instead of the product’s characteristic smell.
A thicker, more viscous consistency than the authentic foaming solution.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted the presence of Maloxine 500mg/25mg, another non-compliant product circulating in Cameroon.

Monitoring and Detection

These discoveries were made through rigorous market surveillance, an essential function of pharmaceutical regulation in Cameroon. A Ministry official explained that all medicines available to the public are continuously monitored to identify non-compliance or counterfeits.

“During market surveillance, non-conformities and counterfeit products are often detected,” the official stated.

The Risks of Counterfeit Drugs

Counterfeit drugs pose serious risks to public health. According to Dr. Noël Atebete, a pharmacist, legitimate drugs follow a stringent and traceable process from production to distribution. Counterfeit medicines, however, do not adhere to any legal, material, or safety standards.

“Counterfeit drugs are produced illegally. Their origin, safety, and storage conditions are often questionable,” Dr. Atebete warned.

The Dangers of Substandard Medicines

The production of counterfeit medicines involves multiple health risks:

Incorrect Dosages: Counterfeit drugs often lack the correct dosage of active ingredients or substitute them entirely, which can worsen patients’ conditions or lead to drug resistance.
Compromised Safety: These medicines are often manufactured under unsanitary conditions without sterilized equipment, increasing the risk of contamination.
Improper Storage: Counterfeit medicines are frequently exposed to sunlight or other damaging conditions, rendering them even more hazardous.

Dr. Atebete emphasized that the integrity of medicines is critical:

“A single error in production or storage could lead to dire health consequences. With counterfeit drugs, the process is completely unregulated, putting patients’ lives at risk.”

A National Call to Action

The growing prevalence of counterfeit drugs underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pharmaceutical regulations in Cameroon. Minister Manaouda Malachie’s recent directives signal a strong commitment to tackling the issue, but experts warn that the fight against counterfeit medicines must involve public education, strengthened regulatory frameworks, and collaboration with international stakeholders.

As Cameroon grapples with this public health crisis, the safety and well-being of its citizens depend on the collective effort of the government, healthcare providers, and the public to eliminate counterfeit drugs from the market.

Key Takeaway

Counterfeit medicines are a silent killer in Cameroon, exploiting the weak enforcement of regulations and putting countless lives at risk. While the government has taken