PDRA bans several anti-biotics, other medicines in Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority has notified a medical product alert about seven drugs, including anti-allergic and antibiotic drugs, that have not passed the quality standards.

The medicines aresubstandard, have adulteration, and foreign particles, according to thePunjab Drug Testing Laboratory. The substandard drugs are three batches of Methylcobalamin injections and tablets, one batch of anti-allergic, and two batches of antibiotics, produced by pharmaceutical firms in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

The medicines identified by the PDRA are Neocobal Injection (Batch S-2455), Meclomine Tablets (Batches 8440 and 8482), Amekoran Injection (Batch BK-019), Aqua-P Sterile Water (Batch 669), Ortizin Tablets (Batch 241268), and Dorcip Antibiotic Drip (Batch DC-121).

These pharmaceuticals failed the ASSA test requirements, leading toimmediate regulatory intervention. The PDRA has called on the Punjab government to take swift action to stop the supply of these markedmedicines and has increased market surveillance and rigorous checkson the supply chain.

Distribution of these medicines has been stopped strictly for distributors and pharmacies and they have been asked to report any suspicious lots.

The public is advised to remain cautious about the intake of substandard medicines, as their consumption can havenegative impacts on the outcome of treatment.

It is a part of an overallmove by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) towardsmaintaining the quality and safety of medicines in the country.

Previously, DRAP initiated a nationwide campaign against illegal sale, production, and distribution of counterfeit drugs, and has acted onillegal production of unregistered medical devices.