The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm about falsified batches of HEALMOXY 500mg capsules, a critical antibiotic, detected in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. The issue was reported to the WHO in March 2025. The counterfeit product lacks the life-saving active ingredient amoxicillin, posing severe risks to patients relying on them to treat bacterial infections.
Genuine HEALMOXY capsules contain amoxicillin, an antibiotic prescribed for infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions. However, laboratory tests confirmed the counterfeit versions contain no amoxicillin, rendering them ineffective. The WHO identified inconsistencies in manufacturing and expiry dates on the falsified batches, displayed as eight-digit day/month/year formats (e.g., 10/01/2027). Four specific batches are implicated, with full details available in the WHO alert’s annex.
The WHO warned that using these counterfeit capsules could lead to treatment failure, allowing infections to worsen or spread, particularly putting vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals at a higher risk. “Without amoxicillin, these products cannot combat bacterial infections. This deception risks lives,” the agency emphasized.
Healthcare professionals across the globe are urged to report adverse effects or suspected counterfeit cases to national regulators. The WHO advised heightened surveillance in supply chains, especially in unregulated markets and immediate notification if falsified products are found. Also, authorities in affected regions have been alerted to remove the counterfeit batches from circulation.
Individuals in possession of HEALMOXY capsules are instructed to check date formats and batch numbers. The WHO strongly advises against using suspicious products and recommends seeking immediate medical help if ingestion occurs or if adverse effects arise.
This alert highlights the ongoing challenge of counterfeit medicines distributed to vulnerable regions. The WHO urges collaboration between governments, healthcare providers and local communities to help regulate distribution and prevent further harm. Patients are reminded to purchase medications from reputable providers and verify unexpected packaging irregularities.
To prevent recurrence of falsified medicinal products, the WHO advocates for strengthened surveillance and vigilance across production and distribution networks.
The aim is to limit potential risks, prevent future instances of falsified and hazardous products and ensure the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Source: WHO
