Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) has alerted the public to the discovery of 18 counterfeit pharmaceutical products since the beginning of 2025. In an official statement, the department revealed that the list of fake medicines, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products has now expanded, bringing the total number of counterfeit items on its warning list to 3,142.
The majority of these counterfeit products are marketed as herbal or natural remedies and are sold through illegal channels, including online platforms. The department’s latest update highlights the significant health risks posed by these counterfeit goods, which include beauty treatments, weight loss products, bodybuilding supplements, and sexual enhancers. The dangers are so severe that both local and international health authorities have issued strong warnings.
The list of counterfeit products includes:
- 269 bodybuilding and muscle-enhancing supplements
- 341 cosmetic items
- 582 weight loss and slimming products
- 1,503 sexual enhancement products
- 447 various other counterfeit items
The DoH has published detailed information on these products, including names, images, sources, and the reasons for their prohibition.
Health Risks Posed by Counterfeit Products
Some of the most concerning counterfeit products include well-known brands such as Force, Black Horse, Royal Honey, Stiff Rock Gold, Raging Bull 50000, Super Rhino Gold, and Pink’s Fashion Fair Cream. The DoH has emphasized that using these counterfeit products can lead to severe health complications. Side effects can include heart attacks, strokes, liver damage, skin rashes, fluid retention, high blood pressure, and even vision or hearing loss.
The department cautioned that these counterfeit goods are manufactured under unsafe conditions, violating standard practices and increasing the risk of contamination with harmful substances like bacteria, fungi, and heavy metals. Additionally, some of these products contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients, which can pose further dangers to consumers.
Unsafe Supplement Use and the Importance of Professional Guidance
The department highlighted the risks associated with the use of unregulated medications and supplements, many of which consumers mistakenly believe to be safe due to their natural or herbal claims. The DoH stressed that the combination of these counterfeit products with other medications could lead to serious, unforeseen side effects.
The department also reiterated that the most effective and proven methods for weight loss involve a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Relying on unverified supplements is unsafe, especially given the ease with which these products are available in nutrition stores, online marketplaces, and social media platforms.
The Dangers of Counterfeit Cosmetics
In regard to counterfeit cosmetic products, the department issued a stern warning about the potential health hazards they present. These fake beauty items often contain misrepresented or undisclosed ingredients and misleading labeling, putting users at risk for serious health issues. The DoH is working to raise awareness among consumers to help them recognize and avoid these harmful products.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health urges the public to refrain from purchasing or using any products listed on its warning site and to consult with healthcare professionals before taking any dietary supplement or cosmetic treatment.
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