Authorities in Russia have detected the sale of illegal contraceptive pills originating from China. The product, identified under the name «Levonorgestrel and Quinestrol,» is being sold online without proper registration, details regarding its composition, or information about the manufacturer.
These tablets, marketed collectively as «Levonorgestrel and Quinestrol,» are available for purchase online starting from 570 rubles per pack. Product listings often lack crucial information, including the drug`s full name, details about the manufacturer (reportedly Zizhu Pharmaceutical), and even its precise ingredients.
An independent expert analysis, commissioned by Izvestia, revealed that the actual concentration of the active substance is considerably lower than claimed. However, even with this reduced potency, experts warn that this Chinese counterfeit should not be used continuously due to potential dangers.
Dmitry Spiridonov, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the telemedicine service `Doctis`, elaborated on the risks and potential users of such unauthorized medications:
Dmitry Spiridonov, Obstetrician-Gynecologist: The manufacturer seemingly presents this as a standard monthly contraceptive method. However, given its form as oral tablets, it cannot be classified as a safe or standard contraceptive for regular use. The primary risk lies in the unknown effects these drugs have on the body. Any medication must undergo a comprehensive assessment, including its composition and side effects – something we cannot confirm for a product unregistered and not authorized for circulation in the Russian Federation. Patients might opt for these due to their sheer accessibility: no need for doctor`s forms, prescriptions, or even leaving home, as they are often delivered directly, which is also currently prohibited. For many, the price is a significant factor, as hormonal contraceptives are currently quite expensive, leading patients to seek alternatives. Thirdly, these products might be used by teenagers trying to conceal their contraceptive use from family. This is also unacceptable, considering their young age and the absence of a doctor`s prescription and thorough medical examination.
Sergey Shulyak, CEO of the analytical agency DSM Group, commented that the situation doesn`t necessarily indicate a severe vulnerability of the Russian market to counterfeit pharmaceuticals:
Sergey Shulyak, CEO, DSM Group: Medicinal products are those that have successfully completed clinical trials, are registered by the Ministry of Health, and have obtained a registration certificate. These illegal items bypass this system, often disguised as other types of goods, making them difficult to track accurately. Furthermore, they might be imported entirely without declaration or registration. We are not suggesting these pills are legally available; you won`t find them legally anywhere here. No pharmacy or doctor will prescribe or administer this product. Therefore, asserting that there is a fundamental issue with our legislation is incorrect. This material is imported illegally. The trade of unregistered medicinal products is inherently forbidden. The focus should be on prosecuting, under existing law, those individuals selling these products within Russia via the internet. It falls to law enforcement agencies to locate, identify, and punish them severely to deter others from bringing in harmful substances and distributing them to our consumers.
Industry professionals emphasize that online platforms must implement more effective controls over the listing of medical or related products. Over the past five years, Roskomnadzor has reportedly blocked nearly 106,000 online resources involved in the remote sale of prescription drugs.
