Invima warns of falsified Bonfiest Plus; consumption poses serious health risks

Colombia's National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (Invima) has issued a public health alert regarding counterfeit units of Bonfiest Plus, a medication containing acetylsalicylic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous caffeine. The specific falsified batch identified is lot number 5H6839, with an expiration date of June 2027. Invima clarified that genuine Bonfiest Plus does hold a valid sanitary authorization in Colombia.

William Saza, coordinator of Invima's Pharmacovigilance Group, detailed several key indicators to help consumers distinguish the fraudulent product. These include visible spelling errors on the labels, such as "exeso," "saislatos," "embrazo," "circustancia," "epatica," and "Pasientes," along with the phrase "VENTAS SIN FORMULA MEDICA" (Sales without medical prescription). Additional discrepancies noted are differences in the barcode numbers, which appear larger and more highlighted on the fake packaging. The counterfeit product also exhibits lower print clarity, more pronounced text, and less contrast in its graphic elements compared to the original.

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This product presents very specific characteristics on its labels. It shows visible spelling errors, errors in the barcode, lacks the easy-open feature on the commercial packaging, and has very visible and noticeable differences in clarity and boldness of the label text.

Further irregularities found in the falsified packaging include issues with the easy-open seal, misaligned edges, wrinkles, and air bubbles in the sealing. The printing of the lot number on the counterfeit units is also described as more defined, darker, linear, and pixelated than on the authentic product. The overall visual presentation of the fake packaging shows less sharpness and contrast.

Invima strongly advises against consuming the falsified Bonfiest Plus, emphasizing the significant health risks associated with its use. Because the actual content, component concentration, and manufacturing conditions of the counterfeit medication are unknown, there is no certainty about what is being ingested. Saza highlighted the dangers of uncontrolled concentrations of active ingredients like acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine, which can lead to severe health consequences.

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It is very important that...