FDA probes fake rabies vaccines found in Taguig
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating suspected falsified anti-rabies vaccines discovered in Taguig, raising serious public health concerns about their efficacy and safety. The public is urged to procure vaccines only from legitimate sources.
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating suspected counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines discovered in various locations, though specific information about Taguig is not found in recent verified reports. The FDA's Field Regulatory Office – Luzon conducted operations in early 2026 that uncovered suspected counterfeit Equirab (Anti-Rabies Serum, Equine) vaccines near Aurora Memorial Hospital in Quezon City. During these raids, authorities discovered multiple pharmacies violating proper handling protocols, including storing vaccines in household refrigerators alongside non-pharmaceutical items, which constitutes serious cold chain breaches that could compromise vaccine efficacy and safety.
A distributor in Alua San Isidro, Nueva Ecija was identified as having committed infractions including failure to provide proper distribution records and lacking appropriate storage facilities for biological products. The FDA issued Advisory No. 2026-041 listing specific batch numbers of suspected counterfeit Equirab vaccines and warned the public against purchasing these products. The investigation was prompted by a rabies-related fatality involving a child on February 2, 2024, though the FDA noted they could not establish a direct connection between the counterfeit vaccines and the death as samples were still under laboratory verification.
The FDA has issued multiple warnings about counterfeit rabies vaccines, including against fake Vaxirab N (Purified Chick Embryo Cell Culture Rabies Vaccine) in Advisory 2026-0121. The agency emphasized that selling counterfeit vaccines violates the FDA Act of 2009 and anti-counterfeit laws, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The public has been urged to procure vaccines only from legitimate, licensed sources and to report suspicious products through the FDA's e-report system at ereport@fda.gov.ph or by calling (02) 8809-5596.
Medical professionals have warned that counterfeit rabies vaccines pose serious health risks as they may provide false protection against rabies, a nearly 100% fatal disease if not properly prevented. The World Health Organization has previously warned about counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines circulating in the Philippines. The FDA continues to investigate the distribution networks of these counterfeit products and has called on local government units and law enforcement agencies to help remove counterfeit vaccines from the market, particularly during Rabies Awareness Month campaigns.
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