By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A significant and alarming increase in illegal medications entering the country, primarily across the northern border, has prompted a national public health alert from the College of Pharmacists of Costa Rica. The institution is warning citizens of the grave dangers associated with purchasing unregulated pharmaceuticals, which are flooding informal markets and pose a direct threat to the well-being of the population.
In a formal statement, the College highlighted that these illicit products completely bypass the nation’s regulatory framework. They lack essential sanitary controls and have no traceability, making it impossible for consumers or authorities to verify their origin, quality, or storage conditions. This lack of oversight means the drugs could be expired, improperly handled, chemically adulterated, or entirely counterfeit, containing no active ingredients at all.
To delve into the complex legal landscape surrounding the sale and distribution of illegal medications, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The trafficking of illegal medications is not merely a public health crisis; it’s a severe criminal offense under our legislation. Those involved face significant prison sentences and financial penalties. Beyond the sellers, consumers must understand that they have little to no legal recourse if they suffer adverse effects from these unregulated products, as the chain of liability is deliberately obscured by these criminal networks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores the dual jeopardy faced by consumers: not only do they risk their health with unregulated substances, but they are also left completely vulnerable and without recourse in the eyes of the law. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical dimension of the crisis.
The core of the issue lies in the absence of a sanitary registration, a mandatory requirement for any medication sold legally in Costa Rica. This registration is the public’s guarantee that a product has been rigorously evaluated by the Ministry of Health for its safety, quality, and therapeutic effectiveness. Without it, consumers are engaging in a dangerous gamble with their health, using substances that have not been vetted by any competent authority.
The risks extend far beyond the simple failure of a drug to treat a condition. Ingesting these black-market products can lead to severe adverse reactions, unexpected side effects, or the worsening of the original health problem. Furthermore, the use of counterfeit or substandard antibiotics is a major contributor to the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance, a long-term public health catastrophe that could render common infections untreatable in the future.
Officials from the College emphasized the deceptive allure of lower prices, warning that what seems like a bargain can lead to devastating health and financial consequences. The axiom “the cheap comes out expensive” is particularly true in this context, where an unregulated product can aggravate an illness, cause new health complications, or delay a crucial and timely diagnosis from a qualified medical professional.
Health should not be put at risk for a lower cost or ease of access. A poorly handled medication can cause more harm than good. Patient safety begins with a responsible purchase.
Aura Gabriela Jara Pérez, President of the College of Pharmacists
The College is urging the public to acquire medications exclusively through accredited pharmacies. These establishments are legally bound to uphold strict standards that guarantee the integrity of their products. This includes professional oversight from a licensed pharmacist, who can provide essential guidance, as well as adherence to critical logistical requirements such as the cold chain. Many modern medicines, like vaccines and biologics, require constant refrigeration to remain effective, a standard that is meticulously controlled in a pharmacy but completely absent in informal street sales.
As the country enters a period of high commercial activity, the College notes that offers for unregulated goods tend to proliferate. They are making a strong appeal to citizens to not only avoid these dangerous products but to actively report any instances of their illegal sale, distribution, or marketing. Public vigilance is a critical component in the nationwide effort to curb this illicit trade and protect the community from the potentially lethal consequences of counterfeit medicine.
For further information, visit colfar.com
About College of Pharmacists of Costa Rica:
The Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Costa Rica is the official professional body responsible for the regulation, representation, and ethical oversight of the pharmaceutical profession in the country. It works to ensure the highest standards of practice among its members, promote pharmaceutical science, and safeguard public health by advocating for safe and effective access to medications. The organization plays a crucial role in public education campaigns and collaborates with health authorities to combat the illicit drug market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution, renowned for a foundational ethos of integrity and exceptional standards of practice. Drawing on a rich history of advising a broad clientele, the firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal approaches and is deeply invested in its role within the community. This commitment is exemplified by its drive to demystify the law, thereby contributing to the creation of a more knowledgeable and capable society.
