DIGEMAPS clarifies Evital contraceptive alert dates back to last year

Santo Domingo.- The General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products (DIGEMAPS) has clarified that the public alert regarding the falsification of the emergency contraceptive Evital (Levonorgestrel) was originally issued in October 2024, not recently as some media reports suggest. This clarification comes in response to a recent statement published by Proconsumidor on social media, which has been widely shared and may have led the public to believe the alert is new.

DIGEMAPS emphasized that the counterfeit product—Evital from Batch 161026, produced by Ethical Pharmaceutical, SRL, and set to expire in October 2026—was detected during routine health surveillance last year. Immediate regulatory actions were taken at that time to remove the falsified medication from the market, ensuring public safety.

The regulatory body reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the quality of medicines, food, and health products. It also urged the public to only purchase medications from authorized establishments and called on healthcare professionals to report any suspected adverse drug reactions. Reports can be made via phone at 809-541-3121 ext. 6681/6682, by email at farmacovigilancia@ministeriodesalud.gob.do.