The price of Counterfeits

A counterfeit according to Uganda National Bureau of Standards is a good bearing an unauthorised trademark thereby impinging on the rights of the trademark owner.
Counterfeit trade in medicine is lucrative.

However, counterfeit drugs are associated with various side-effects. Drugs are given to treat and heal specific conditions. When an inefficient drug is given, it can lead to resistance of the organisms. And that is not all, there will be no healing, which in the worst case scenario lead to death.
Sanitary towels have also been duplicated causing distress to many women.

Dr Vincent Karuhanga of Friend’s Poly Clinic says there are two types of sanitary towels, the natural made from cotton and the synthetic. “Cotton is ideal because it is natural, it does not cause allergies,” he says. It also does not cause infection in women’s private parts which are very delicate. Most counterfeits are cheaper and most likely to be synthetic,” he points out. This means they are likely to cause vaginal allergies as well as itching, especially during menstruation.

“They could also cause infection that will spread further up into the uterus, develop into chronic pain and chronic infection,” he adds. This infection may travel further to the fallopian tubes, cause blockage and later on infertility.

On the market is fake toothpaste on sale. Dr John Kimbe a dentist says toothpaste if counterfeit, can cause irritation. “The inner lining of the mouth and the tongue are sensitive,” he says. These areas may get irritated and it is probable that one will get sores.
Food stuffs

According to Michael Kibuule, a nutritionist, if foods do not meet the required standards, counterfeits could have a negative impact on the physiology (normal functioning) of the body. “The ingredients of the food stuffs may be poisonous or contain toxins as well as bacterial spores which will perpetuate into disease.” He adds that most of these fake food stuffs are carcinogenic meaning they are associated with development of some cancers.

Canned food, he emphasizes, may be prone to faking. He says that the seals of the cans are supposed to be flat but in cases of counterfeits, there is a bulge. This is evident of poisoning since in most cases, there is a high incidence of bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum especially its spores which are said to be more dangerous and one can die in a period of 24 hours.

Everyone likes it cheap so we have contributed to the flourishing of this business. This is a call to reflect on the possible damage you may be inflicting on yourself and people around you if not now may be in the future.
The writer is a pharmacist