Alert issued over commonly used antibiotic in Pakistan

LAHORE: An alert has been issued to avoid Azomax 250mg (Azithromycin) capsules, on being declared spurious by the Provincial Drug Testing Laboratory. As per the Directorate of Drugs Control, Punjab, the particular batch is H5332 and its expiry date is July 2027.

The capsules had been confiscated from an unauthorized person, and it has been ascertained from the original manufacturers that this was not their original product.

The batch was also declared spurious by the Drug Testing Laboratory, Punjab, under the Drugs Act, 1976, for which action has been taken by the Provincial Quality Control Board.

Market authorization holders, importers, distributors, pharmacies, wholesalers and other health facilities have been directed to discontinue supply of the batch and prevent sale or distribution.

They are also asked to keep the stock isolated, identify any suspicious supply chain and inform the drug control authorities on time.

Higher market surveillance and strict action against violation of drugs law will also be undertaken. Members of the public have also been advised not to use the concerned batch of Azomax 250 mg Capsules.

Buy medicine only from licensed chemists and pharmacies.