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Doctor: Fake Flu Vaccine Being Sold In Mexico

POSTED: 6:46 pm PDT October 30, 2009
UPDATED: 7:28 pm PDT October 30, 2009

Medical experts are warning people to stay away from anti-swine flu drugs sold at discounted prices in Tijuana, 10News reported.

Dr. Brian Liang, executive director of the Institute of Health Law Studies at California Western Law School and vice president of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, said members of the Partnership have been tracking drugs sold by Tijuana vendors that turned out to be fake.

Liang said fake versions of Tamiflu, one of two drugs used to treat swine flu, has been rampant since August. He showed 10News pictures of fake Tamiflu confiscated by his group and it read "generic Tamiflu," but there is no such thing.

At the same time, Liang said more people are showing up in Tijuana looking for Tamiflu. 10News has confirmed Americans are now routinely going into stores in search of Tamiflu.

Several years ago, in the midst of the avian flu, Liang posed as a tourist to look for fake drugs. He looked in stores and even the back of a van. He said he found large supplies of fake drugs, and also asked for a flu vaccine.

"They said, 'Sure, but it's sitting on the counter in 80-degree heat.' Flu vaccines need to be refrigerated. We also found expired vaccine," said Liang.

Several years later, Mexico is now warning consumers of fake swine flu vaccine.

"Anybody who wants it will certainly be able to buy a box that says Tamiflu. It's almost certainly counterfeit," said Liang.

Unlike a few years ago, the Mexican government has possession of all Tamiflu in the country.
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