Risks of selling medicines in sari-sari stores
In recent days, there has been a stir among the pharmaceutical and health-care sectors over the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) announcement regarding the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in sari-sari stores. It is said that the goal is to “create income opportunities for micro-retailers while improving access to essential health products in communities.”
Although the post has been taken down and the DTI Secretary has said that it’s only a proposal, here are examples of violations from the list provided by the Philippine Pharmacists Association, Republic Act No. 10918 (Philippine Pharmacy Act), RA 8203 (Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs), and RA 11223 (Universal Health Care Act).
As a licensed pharmacist, I firmly believe that allowing OTC meds to be freely sold in sari‑sari stores with minimal regulation poses substantial public health risks. Here are only a few:
1. Lack of professional knowledge. Sometimes, consumers purchase two or more OTC medications simultaneously, but many are unaware of potentially harmful interactions. An example is when someone takes Neozep and Bioflu together even though they have the same contents. Redundant ingredients have no added benefit, just more risks. They both contain paracetamol which could cause liver damage, especially if taken beyond the recommended dose (usually 4,000 mg per day for adults). Both meds also contain an antihistamine and a decongestant which could lead to increased drowsiness, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations. One can only imagine the dangers if you are a pilot or driving a car or operating heavy machines while taking these OTC medicines in excess.
Also, Aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or mefenamic acid may be consumed by someone who has dengue, for their fever and pains. Taking these meds in dengue cases is dangerous because they increase the risk of severe bleeding, making only paracetamol the safe option for fever and pain related to dengue.
2. Misuse and abuse. In the Philippines, Dextromethorphan can be found in Tuseran Forte and Robitussin DM. In normal doses, this drug is safe and nonaddictive. In high doses, it can act like a hallucinogen, causing euphoria and detachment from reality. This can lead to recreational purposes, especially among teens and young adults.
3. Increased counterfeit medicines. Nonpharmacy outlets lack the quality controls compared to a regular pharmacy. Consumers may purchase counterfeit drugs that contain harmful contaminants.
In May 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert about counterfeit Biogesic tablets being sold in the market. These fake tablets posed dangers due to unknown ingredients and improper packaging.
In 2024, the FDA confirmed counterfeit versions of Kremil S, Alaxan FR, Biogesic, Medicol Advance, Bioflu, and Tuseran Forte that were being sold not only in physical stores but also online. Consumers were warned to check for altered packaging and purchase only from authorized drugstores.Many fake pharmaceutical products became more rampant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Improper handling and storage. Without strict and proper controls, medicines sold in sari‑sari stores may be exposed to heat, humidity, and sun, rapidly degrading drugs, leading to reduced effectiveness or increased toxicity.
Studies show that when stored at temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and in high humidity environments, paracetamol tablets undergo hydrolysis and oxidation, leading to loss of potency and potential formation of toxic degradation products. Improper storage in sari-sari stores which are often open to external elements and lack temperature control, significantly increases this risk.
Also, nonpharmacists may accidentally open a tablet through their fingernails and expose the meds or cut blister packs into single doses unprofessionally. These practices leave the meds vulnerable to air, moisture, pollutants, dusts, and other contaminants.
5. Absence of pharmacovigilance. Pharmacists act as the first line of defense: they monitor side effects, counsel patients, and avert medication errors. Nonpharmacists lack this oversight, leaving harmful events not only unreported and unresolved but also unprevented.
All of these concerns can significantly increase healthcare costs and place a heavy burden on government resources, especially public hospitals and rural health units. The DTI should collaborate with the Department of Health, FDA, and other government agencies for aligned and integrated projects. It must also coordinate with LGUs and support pharmacist-led programs like Botika ng Barangay that ensure safe and accessible medication under professional supervision. Strengthening such community-based initiatives helps maintain public safety while improving public health, in accordance with national health goals without compromising the system.
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Teresa May Bandiola is a licensed pharmacist, academic, YA author, and health reform activist. She is also the voice behind the podcast “Stay True, Stay Empowered,” a space for honest conversations on health, empowerment, and the Filipino experience.
