The Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) has reported the detection of 18 new counterfeit pharmaceutical products since the beginning of 2025. This update brings the total number of counterfeit medicines, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products on the department’s warning list to 3,142.
These counterfeit items, often marketed as natural remedies, are frequently sold illegally, especially through online platforms. The department issued an urgent warning about the health risks associated with these counterfeit drugs and products, which include weight loss supplements, bodybuilding aids, sexual enhancers, and cosmetic treatments.
Counterfeit Products: A Breakdown
The DoH’s latest update provides a breakdown of the counterfeit items found:
- 269 bodybuilding and muscle-enhancing supplements
- 341 cosmetic products
- 582 weight loss and slimming products
- 1,503 sexual enhancement products
- 447 miscellaneous counterfeit products
Several high-profile counterfeit medicines have been flagged, including Force, Black Horse, Royal Honey, Super Rhino Gold, and Neoprosone Cream. These products have been linked to serious health concerns, including heart attacks, strokes, liver damage, high blood pressure, and vision or hearing loss.
The DoH explained that these products are often manufactured in unsanitary conditions, leading to contamination with harmful substances like bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals. Many of these fake products also contain undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients that pose additional risks to consumers.
Health Hazards of Counterfeit Supplements and Cosmetics
Beyond medications, the department also raised concerns about counterfeit dietary supplements and cosmetics. Fake weight loss supplements and bodybuilding aids have been found to contain dangerous substances, while counterfeit beauty products may cause skin issues and other health problems.
Consumers are frequently unaware of the potential risks associated with these unregulated products, which are widely available on online platforms and in stores. Many mistakenly assume that these products are safe due to their “natural” labels, not realizing that they can have serious adverse effects, particularly when used alongside other medications.
Raising Public Awareness
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has published a detailed list of the counterfeit products, providing names, images, sources, and reasons for their prohibition. The department urges consumers to avoid purchasing these items and to consult healthcare professionals before using any new dietary supplements or cosmetics.
The DoH emphasized that the safest and most effective methods for weight loss and physical fitness are healthy eating and regular exercise, rather than relying on unverified and potentially harmful supplements.
Tackling the Issue of Counterfeit Goods
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the public, the department is working to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. With many of these products sold through online marketplaces and social media, the DoH is focusing on educating consumers to identify fraudulent items and avoid the risks of unregulated use.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health remains committed to monitoring and updating its list of banned products to ensure the safety of residents and safeguard consumers from harmful counterfeits.
