Latest news with #NationalPharmaceuticalRegulatoryAgency
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry offers free Tdap vaccination for pregnant women
PUTRAJAYA: The Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) is being offered free of charge to pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation from Monday (May 26), says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad ( pic ). He added that the Tdap vaccination was offered at all Health Ministry primary health facilities that provide nationwide maternal health services. "This vaccine is aimed at providing early protection to newborns, who are susceptible to complications from pertussis (whooping cough) before completing the vaccination schedule. "International studies have also shown that this vaccine is safe and effective, without increasing any risks to the mother or baby," he said at the National-Level Immunisation Day celebration held here on Monday (May 26). He said that although the ministry does not make it compulsory for pregnant women to take the Tdap vaccine, they are strongly encouraged to do so. He said that in addition to the vaccine for pregnant women, which is an initiative under its lifelong immunisation strategy, the ministry had also launched the Influenza Immunisation Programme for Senior Citizens on Feb 18, targeting those aged 60 and above with at least one listed chronic illness. Dzulkefly said that as of Sunday (May 25), 97,355 senior citizens had received the influenza vaccine at ministry facilities. Meanwhile, he said that the national immunisation policy was regularly reviewed based on scientific evidence and international guidelines and, as such, emphasised that all vaccines used in Malaysia have undergone rigorous efficacy and safety assessments by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and are continuously monitored by the ministry. "There is a growing concern regarding the false dissemination of fake news and information, and this undermines public confidence. I understand that some parents are still unsure. "I urge everyone to always refer to official sources because our decision today will affect the health of future generations," he said. – Bernama
The Star
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Check if medicines are real
PETALING JAYA: School teacher S. Anandi bought a supplement from an online platform because it was RM20 cheaper than the retail price at a pharmacy. The supplement turned out to be counterfeit although it looked identical to the original product. She said the supplement bought online even came with a fake hologram. She used an app called FarmaChecker which can scan product holograms on health-related products. The FarmaTag hologram on genuine supplements is a stamp from the Health Ministry as proof that a product has been registered and approved by the local health authorities. The app Anandi used could not read the hologram sticker on the supplement. This means the hologram is fake and not approved by the Health Ministry. 'I bought the supplement because it was cheaper online. But upon scanning it, I discovered that the product was fake,' she said. The online health supplement market is flooded with counterfeit products. Sellers even create replicas of the hologram, said industry sources. Despite the Health Ministry having moved from the Meditag to the FarmaTag hologram which has better security features, the sale of counterfeit and illicit pharmaceutical products is showing no sign of slowing down. 'Holograms can be duplicated and we have seen them over the years, even from the Meditag days. Some illegal health product sellers even use a replica of the old Meditag hologram. 'Recently, there is a trend where sellers would mix their own supplement powders and pills. Some of these powders are filled with sugar and that is worrying. 'To the Health Ministry's credit, it has been carrying out crackdowns on many unregistered and illicit products over the years,' said a source, adding that the illegal trade is still flourishing. 'Many consumers are unaware of an app to check whether the health supplements are genuine or not. 'In fact, some people don't even bother to check whether the product they have purchased is authentic. They get swayed by claims that it works. 'More awareness and education campaigns should be carried out on the use of holograms and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) registration numbers. 'Maybe the authorities should think of a new authentication method such as QR code,' the source said. Consumers can download the NPRA Product Status app to check the status of Pharmaceutical Product Registration and Cosmetic Notification Status. The Health Ministry used the Meditag hologram supplied by Syarikat Mediharta Sdn Bhd from 2005 until Aug 31, 2019. The hologram was supplied to manufacturers and importers licensed by the ministry to ensure there was no abuse. It was later replaced with FarmaTag produced by Syarikat Techno Secure Print Sdn Bhd. Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild honorary secretary Rachel Gan advised the public to use the FarmaChecker app to check the authenticity of a product if they feel suspicious about it. 'Always buy from legitimate sellers like pharmacies or clinics, instead of unknown sellers on e-commerce platforms,' she added. Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association president Datuk Dr M. Rajen said there are concerns over the authenticity, safety, shelf life and possible side effects of the supplements sold on online platforms. 'As an industry, we welcome the use of holograms. But there have been concerns on their viability to prevent abuse. Often, while the companies are paying for the holograms, some consumers are unaware about the benefits of the holograms,' he added. He called for a ban on the sale of health supplements online as what is done for certain medicines. 'You cannot buy your pharmaceuticals online but you can buy your supplements online,' he said, adding that this is a regulation loophole that needs to be looked into. General practitioner Dr Roland Victor said fake medications or supplements often contain ineffective ingredients that pose a danger to health or unsuitable for local consumption. 'We have seen cases of certain coffee powders being promoted as a natural supplement for men's health but were found to contain controlled substances like sildenafil, the active ingredient in erectile dysfunction drugs,' he said. 'Sellers of counterfeit supplements may exploit the image of genuine doctors in their advertisements and claim that they are endorsing their products.'
The Star
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry pulls three cosmetic products found to contain scheduled poisons
PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has revoked the notification of cosmetic products, Hebe - Micro Rescue Cream (Reduce Acne Scar) and Cloroc Reju Cream, after they were found to contain four types of scheduled poisons. These products are no longer permitted for sale in Malaysia as they were found to contain Clindamycin and Metronidazole, as well as Tretinoin and Betamethasone 17-valerate, respectively. "Products containing Clindamycin, Metronidazole, Tretinoin, and Betamethasone 17-valerate are classified as medicines that must be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals," the ministry said in a statement on Thursday (May 15). The notification of another cosmetic product, Seri Ayu Secret-Radiant Repair Cream, was also revoked after it was found to contain mercury. Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products as it can be absorbed into the body and may cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system. The ministry has cautioned the public to refrain from purchasing the affected products. Sellers and distributors were also instructed to immediately cease all sales and distribution. Individuals found guilty of such offences may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for the first offence. Subsequent offences may result in a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Companies found in violation may be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences. Members of the public currently using the affected cosmetic products are advised to stop using them immediately and seek medical advice if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects. Consumers are also encouraged to verify the notification status of cosmetic products by visiting the official website of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency at or via the 'NPRA Product Status' mobile application, available on Google Play Store. - Bernama
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
RM37.5 mil worth of unregistered medicines confiscated last year, MOH says
KUALA SELANGOR: The Health Ministry has confiscated 21,571 unregistered medicines nationwide in 2024, totalling RM37.5 million. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said this marks an increase compared to 2023, where a total of 20,157 items, including medicines, cosmetics and raw materials, were confiscated, valued at around RM24.8 million. In 2024, he said a total of 17,630 unregistered products were confiscated, including health supplements, along with 3,941 cosmetic products that were not notified to the ministry. "These figures send a clear message that the sale of illegal drugs is becoming more rampant — and efforts to combat it must be strengthened with a comprehensive approach and cooperation from all parties," he said at a press conference after launching the Kembara Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah (Reject Illegal Medicines Roadshow) programme here today. Dzulkefly added that the roadshow would be expanded to other regions, including Kelantan, Johor, Sabah, and Perak. He added that nearly 70 per cent of the confiscated products were made based on complaints about the sale of medicines online. He also warned that the consumption of unregistered medicines poses long-term health risks, including potential damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and nervous system. He said the term unregistered medicine comprises five main types of offences commonly identified by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division: medicines not registered with the ministry; counterfeit medicines; products adulterated with scheduled substances or poisons; medicines obtained from unauthorised sources; and those imported without the ministry's approval. He advised the public to verify the authenticity of health products before making a purchase by checking for the 'MAL' registration number and the FarmaTag™ hologram security label. "Verifications can also be done via the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency website or by using the FarmaChecker mobile app," Dzulkefly said.
