As the availability of original medicines in Syria continues to decline amid years of war and economic hardship, the pharmaceutical market has shifted toward near-total reliance on alternative medicines, commonly referred to as “generics.”
While these alternatives offer affordable and accessible solutions, heated debate surrounds their effectiveness, safety, and origins. At the same time, the Syrian market is witnessing a notable surge in sexual stimulants and weight loss medications, many of which are unlicensed and of unknown origin, often sold outside pharmacies, prompting health experts to issue strong warnings.
Available Alternatives: But Not All Are Effective
“Alternative medicines are relatively available in the market, and their quality varies depending on the manufacturer,” said Dr. Sabriya Harb, a member of the Pharmacists Syndicate in Syria, in an interview with +963.
She noted that “some Syrian companies, such as Unipharma, produce reliable drugs. Effective local alternatives exist for key medications like Augmentin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and Dostinex, used to treat high prolactin levels, which has a local equivalent known as Capersor.”
Dr. Harb also pointed out that the fertility drug Clomid has Syrian alternatives, as does the anti-inflammatory Clofen, which has demonstrated solid performance.
She added that cooperation between the syndicate and the Ministry of Health is increasing to better regulate the market. However, some patients remain reluctant to accept alternatives, even when certain local products prove effective.
Tonics and Weight Loss Medications: An Unregulated Market
“Many medications on the market, particularly sexual stimulants and tonics, originate from unclear sources and fall outside any regulatory oversight, exposing users to serious health risks,” warned pharmacist Dr. Iman Arar, speaking to +963.
She identified several unlicensed sexual enhancers circulating in the market, including Vega Extra, Max Man, and Max Women. By contrast, commonly sold commercial products include Vega, Epimed Forte, and Maxville.
As for weight loss medications, she highlighted unlicensed brands like Keto, Face Book, and Zotreem Plus, while commercial options include Orlistat and Carbopyrne.
“These products can cause cardiac, psychological, and gastrointestinal complications,” she warned, urging stricter regulations, including prescription-only access for such drugs.
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Relying on Alternatives Is No Longer a Choice
General practitioner and urological surgeon Dr. Wissam Salah Abu al-Sal told +963, “Alternative medicines dominate the Syrian market because they are affordable and accessible, especially given the prolonged challenges in obtaining original medications consistently. This dependence on generics has become the norm.”
He explained that alternatives typically contain the same active ingredients, dosage, and pharmaceutical forms as their brand-name counterparts. Their quality is not inherently inferior, especially when manufactured by reputable companies under regulatory supervision.
However, he acknowledged observable differences in therapeutic effectiveness, particularly with certain antibiotics used for chronic urinary infections and some types of painkillers.
He also noted persistent difficulties in acquiring certain effective pharmaceutical products, such as vitamins, antioxidants (used to enhance semen quality in fertility cases), and essential hormonal medications.
Dr. Abu al-Sal emphasised the importance of making drug names accessible to the public in Arabic to help patients identify what they are taking.
Crisis of Confidence and Illusory Marketing
“Alternative medicines are no longer a luxury, they are a necessity,” said pharmacist Hossam al-Jahmani to +963. However, he warned that weak quality control has led to a deepening crisis of confidence in local pharmaceuticals.
While he acknowledged the effectiveness of generics produced by companies such as Asia and Unipharma, he noted the simultaneous presence of products that yield no therapeutic benefit. “This puts pharmacists in a difficult position between market realities and patient demands,” he said.
He also highlighted the uncontrolled sale of sexual enhancers outside pharmacies and without any oversight. Such practices have resulted in medical complications, including cardiovascular issues and kidney problems.
“Marketing illusion under the guise of treatment is a crime that should not be overlooked,” he stated firmly.
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Patients Caught Between Price and Effectiveness
“Alternative medicines are significantly cheaper than original ones,” said Mohamed al-Jahmani, a resident of Daraa, in an interview with +963. “I often find the same medication from a well-known company priced at five thousand Syrian pounds more than a generic from another manufacturer.”
He added, “Doctors tend to prescribe the more expensive brands, but patients usually opt for the cheaper alternatives because they offer similar effectiveness at a lower cost.”
Pharmacists and Doctors Issue Urgent Recommendations
Healthcare professionals across Syria are urging tighter regulation of alternative medicines. Their recommendations include:
- Strict quality control for locally produced drugs
- Banning the online sale of unlicensed medications
- Increasing public confidence through transparent education and awareness
- Supporting domestic pharmaceutical companies that comply with international standards
- Bringing the market for tonics and stimulants under full Ministry of Health oversight
In a country facing ongoing medical and economic challenges, alternative medicines remain both a necessity and a gamble, underscoring the urgent need for a national pharmaceutical reform grounded in safety, regulation, and public trust.
