Invima warns of counterfeit Bonfiest Plus with health risks

Colombia's food and drug regulator, Invima, has issued a health alert over counterfeit units of the medicine Bonfiest Plus, identified by lot 5H6839 and expiry June 2027. The fake product may cause serious health problems, including gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and heart rhythm disturbances, because its true composition is unknown Source: El Tiempo. The alert was confirmed by Tecnofar TQ S.A.S., the drug's marketing authorization holder, and applies only to the specified lot Source: Portafolio.

Risks

Consuming the counterfeit could lead to hemorrhages, ulcers, or arrhythmias due to uncontrolled doses of active ingredients like acetylsalicylic acid and caffeine Source: El Colombiano. Additionally, there is a high risk of chemical poisoning from substances used to mimic the effervescent powder, such as chalk, white cement, industrial talc, toxic dyes, or non-food-grade binders Source: Infobae.

How to spot it

• Spelling errors on the packaging, e.g., "exeso," "saislatos," "embrazo," and "Pasientes" Source: El Tiempo.
• Barcode numbers appear larger and bolder than on the original Source: Portafolio.
• The packaging lacks the easy-open feature and has a less sharp print with a less visible bubble graphic Source: El Colombiano.
• Sealing may be irregular, with misaligned edges, wrinkles, or air bubbles Source: Infobae.

What's next

Invima urges consumers who identify these features not to use the product and to report it immediately. The original Bonfiest Plus remains authorized with registration INVIMA 2022M-0004285-R2 Source: Portafolio.