Why did COFEPRIS close pharmacies on March 28, 2024?

Why did COFEPRIS close pharmacies on March 28, 2024?. Have you ever wondered why the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) is the entity responsible for regulating and overseeing the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in Mexico?

It has the authority to close pharmacies or businesses that do not comply with the established guidelines and regulations. It protects the health of the population, and here we will inform you about the reasons why COFEPRIS makes the decision to close them.

Reasons why COFEPRIS closes pharmacies:

Sale of Counterfeit Medications: Pharmacies that sell counterfeit medications put consumers’ health at serious risk. These products may not contain the necessary active ingredients or may contain harmful substances. COFEPRIS conducts inspections to detect and remove these medications from the market.

Sale of Expired Medications: Offering medications that have expired can be dangerous, as the drug’s efficacy may be compromised. COFEPRIS regularly inspects pharmacies to ensure that all products for sale are within their valid period.

Lack of Licenses and Permits: To operate legally, pharmacies must have all the necessary licenses and permits. If a pharmacy does not meet these requirements, COFEPRIS has the authority to close it until its situation is regularized.

Unsanitary Conditions: Pharmacies must maintain a clean and safe environment for storing medications. Unsanitary conditions can lead to the contamination of pharmaceutical products. 

COFEPRIS closes establishments that do not meet the adequate hygiene standards.

Misleading Advertising: Promoting medications with false claims or without the proper authorization can mislead consumers. COFEPRIS regulates the advertising of pharmaceutical products to prevent deception and protect consumers.

Guidelines COFEPRIS follows to close pharmacies:

Regular Inspections: COFEPRIS conducts regular and random inspections in pharmacies to ensure compliance with sanitary regulations. These inspections can be scheduled or in response to citizen complaints.

Documentation Verification: During inspections, COFEPRIS inspectors review all pharmacy documentation, including licenses, permits, and medication records. The lack of proper documentation can result in sanctions or closures.

Product Analysis: COFEPRIS conducts tests and analyses of pharmaceutical products to ensure their quality and safety. This includes verifying the expiration date, the authenticity of the product, and proper labeling.

Hygiene and Storage Protocols: Pharmacies must follow strict hygiene and storage protocols to prevent medication contamination. COFEPRIS ensures that adequate conditions of temperature, humidity, and cleanliness are maintained.

Corrective Actions: In case of irregularities, COFEPRIS can issue recommendations and require immediate corrective actions. If the irregularities are not corrected within the established timeframe, the establishment is closed. Why did COFEPRIS close pharmacies on March 28, 2024?