ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has banned eight batches of counterfeit and substandard medicines used for diabetes and life-saving treatments, citing concerns over their quality, effectiveness, and potential risks to patient health, according to ARY News.
Reports indicate that DRAP is carrying out a crackdown across Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where counterfeit and substandard medicines have been identified and seized.
The Central Drug Testing Lab in Karachi labeled eight batches of these medicines as substandard. The banned batches include: Diabetes Tablet Amplemet XR (Batch 39224), Antibiotic Injection Esanix (Batch IA702), Drip Solution Zesol Drip (Batch 2408207), Sterile Water for Injection (Batch WI893), Bacterial Infection Medicine Flagenis Suspension (Batch 0362), Anti-Allergy Syrup Desora Syrup (Batch S23236), and Vitamin B12 Infusions Cyanoco Infusion (Batch 6609) and Cyanoco Super (Batch 6403).
These medicines were produced by companies in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Haripur. Investigations revealed concerns about their unclear efficacy and potential risks to patient treatment.
DRAP has enforced strict measures to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines, urging thorough investigations of the supply chain and immediate removal of the affected batches from markets nationwide.
Earlier, on November 30, 2024, DRAP had imposed a ban on the sale and use of a batch of Nabaxo 10 mg tablets due to quality concerns.
Details revealed that DRAP issued a product recall alert for batch 263 of Nabaxo tablets, manufactured by Wenovo Pharmaceuticals, Taxila. This batch failed to meet quality control standards during testing by the Drug Testing Lab in Rawalpindi.
Nabaxo tablets, containing the active ingredient Rivaroxaban, are used for conditions like thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to prevent blood clots. However, the substandard batch raised concerns over its efficacy.
DRAP directed the manufacturer to halt the supply of the affected batch and recalled it from the market. Chemists and distributors were instructed to stop selling the batch and return their stock, while doctors and patients were advised to avoid using the affected tablets.
