Table of Contents
- 1. The Hidden Dangers of ‘Suit Drugs’ in indonesia
- 2. The Scope of the Problem
- 3. The Risks Tapped into Suit Drugs
- 4. Combating the Problem
- 5. How are suit drugs being sold online, and what are the BPOM doing to stop these sales ?
- 6. The Hidden Dangers of ‘Suit drugs’ in Indonesia: An Interview with BPOM’s Taruna Ikrar
- 7. Interview with Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI)
The convenience of online shopping has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also opened doors to illicit activities, including the rampant circulation of unregulated and potentially perilous medications known as “suit drugs.” These drugs, ofen packaged in unmarked plastic with no identification details, batch numbers, or dosage instructions, pose a serious threat to public health in Indonesia.
according to Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI), the circulation of suit drugs is akin to an iceberg, with the visible tip representing only a small fraction of the actual problem. “The drug suit phenomenon is often only the tip of the iceberg), while what is detected in the field is only a small part of the actual circulation, especially in relation to online circulation which is very dynamic,” he revealed to detikcom.
This statement is echoed by a recent search for “suit medicine” on a popular online marketplace, which yielded over 100 links. These drugs are readily available without requiring a prescription, further exacerbating the risk.
The Scope of the Problem
The BPOM has identified 99 cases of drug trafficking from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the scale of the issue. However, this number is significantly dwarfed by the findings in online marketplaces. In 2023, 134 links were discovered, a figure that skyrocketed to 2,345 by 2024 – an astounding 17-fold increase.
Toothache medications dominate the suit drug market, with the provinces of Bangka Belitung Islands (Pangkalpinang), South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin), and West Kalimantan (Pontianak) as the primary hotspots for these dangerous products.
The Risks Tapped into Suit Drugs
Many consumers opt for suit drugs, believing they offer a more potent and immediate effect than legitimate medications prescribed by a doctor.However, this belief is based on a dangerous misconception known as the “cespleng” effect, which arises from the high doses of steroids and other pain relievers often found in these unregulated concoctions.
Professor Zullies Ikawati, a Pharmacy expert at Gadjah Mada University, warns: “Generally, medicines are packaged and sold for inflammatory pain, gout, rheumatism, toothache, rheumatic pain and the like and usually contain anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and non-steroids such as dexamethasant, methylprednisolone.” She further explains that “How can the effect not be ‘cespleng’? As they give double the medicine, especially adding other analgesics and painkillers such as piroxicam, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and antalgin so that people who use this medicine really feel that this medicine is ‘cespleng’, so interested in using it again when experiencing the same problem.”
The long-term consequences of such potentially dangerous practices can be dire, as exemplified by a case where a patient hospitalized due to a gastric leak after using suit medication. This underscores the critical need for awareness and vigilance regarding the dangers associated with suit drugs.
Combating the Problem
The BPOM is actively combating this issue by implementing several strategies. These include conducting cyber patrols on social media to identify and remove online sellers of suit drugs, and also engaging in public education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of these unregulated medications.
They are also collaborating with e-commerce platforms to identify and remove illegal listings. “The sales were made by an account that cannot be accounted for as it is indeed not an official pharmacy account at the Pharmacy Electronic System Operator (PSEF). all links found have been submitted to the e-commerce platform for content reduction (takedown),” Taruna Ikrar explains.
How are suit drugs being sold online, and what are the BPOM doing to stop these sales ?
The convenience of online shopping has brought about numerous benefits, but it has also opened doors to illicit activities, including the rampant circulation of unregulated and potentially perilous medications known as “suit drugs.” These drugs, frequently enough packaged in unmarked plastic with no identification details, batch numbers, or dosage instructions, pose a serious threat to public health in Indonesia.
Interview with Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI)
Today, we speak with Taruna Ikrar, Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM RI), to shed light on the alarming rise of suit drugs in Indonesia and the steps being taken to combat this menace.
Archyde: Mr. Ikrar, the term “suit drugs” has become increasingly prevalent in recent news cycles.Can you explain what these drugs are and what makes them so dangerous?
Taruna Ikrar: Suit drugs are unregulated medications often sold online or thru informal channels. These drugs are packaged in simple,unmarked packaging,often resembling small plastic sachets,hence the term “suit” due to their resemblance to clothing pockets They are frequently advertised as stronger and faster-acting than legitimate medications,but this is a dangerous misconception.
The lack of proper labeling and oversight means their true contents and potency are unknown. They can contain excessive doses of harmful substances, potentially leading to serious health complications or even death.
Archyde: How widespread is this problem in Indonesia? Have you noticed any specific trends in its distribution?
Taruna Ikrar: The sales of suit drugs are truly an alarming issue. We’ve seen a significant surge in online marketplaces, with thousands of listings detected. Some provinces, particularly those in the Indonesian archipelago, seem to be more vulnerable to the presence of these drugs.
Toothache medications seem to be the most popular category among suit drugs, but the nature of these illegal operations means we may only be scratching the surface.
Archyde: What are the most significant dangers associated with using suit drugs? what long-term health risks should the public be aware of?
Taruna Ikrar: The risks are numerous and multifaceted. First, the unknown ingredients and dosages can easily lead to overdosing, with potentially fatal consequences. Second, prolonged use of these unregulated medications can cause a range of serious health problems, including liver damage, kidney failure, and even heart issues.
Furthermore, these drugs can interact dangerously with other medications individuals may be taking, leading to unpredictable and potentially life-threatening reactions.
Archyde: The BPOM has been actively working to tackle this issue. Can you tell us about the strategies you are implementing to combat the circulation of suit drugs?
Taruna Ikrar: We are utilizing a multi-pronged approach. Our cyber patrols actively monitor online platforms, identifying and removing listings for suit drugs. We are also partnering with e-commerce platforms to enhance their screening processes and restrict the sale of these dangerous products.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate consumers about the risks associated with suit drugs. We urge the public to be vigilant, consult licensed pharmacists, and only purchase medications from reputable sources.
Archyde: What message do you want to convey to readers regarding the dangers of suit drugs? Is there anything specific they can do to protect themselves and their families?
Taruna Ikrar: The allure of fast fixes and seemingly cheaper alternatives can be tempting, but with suit drugs, the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits. Always prioritize your health and safety. When it comes to medications, there are no shortcuts. Choose licensed pharmacies, consult with healthcare professionals, and never compromise on the authenticity and safety of your medications.
