Recall Alert: Drug Product; Espezar 20mg Tablets (Batch # A401) by Avant Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd, Hub, Baluchistan

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNo I/S/11-23-44
Action Date21st Dec, 2023
Target Audience·  Pharmacists and Chemists at Distribution, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
·  Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospital and clinics etc.
· General Public
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has informed DRAP regarding the sample of product namely “Espezar tablet” Batch No. A401 manufactured by M/s. Avant Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., Plot No. 28 Hub Industrial Estate, Hub Balochistan has been declared as of “Substandard” quality.

Therapeutic Good(s) Affected: –

Product NamesCompositionBatch No Manufacturer
Espezar 20mg Tablets
 
Reg.No 102983
EsomeprazoleBatch No. A401
 
Mfg. Date: 11-22
Exp. date: 11-24
M/s Avant Pharmaceutical
Pvt. Ltd, Hub, Baluchistan
Risk Statement:Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and oesophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Esomeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Impact of use of substandard product may leads to sub optimal therapeutic effect which may cause therapy failure or other associated problems.
Action Initiated-The manufacturer has been directed to immediately recall the defective batch of product from the market. All pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and pharmacies should immediately check their stocks and stop supplying this batch of product. The remaining stock should be quarantined and returned to the supplier/ company. The regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP and Provincial Health Departments) has increase surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective products(s).

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of the product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using the online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or by Email at gsmsdra.gov.pk.

-Regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP, Provincial Health Departments, and States) has also increased the surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective product(s).
Advice for Healthcare ProfessionalsDRAP requests to enhance vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by this defective batch of the product.  

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using the
Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.

-Please click here for further information on problem reporting to DRAP.
Advice for Consumers-Consumers should stop using this product bearing the affected batch number(s). They shall contact their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have experienced any problem that may be related to using this product.

-All therapeutic products must be obtained from authorized licensed pharmacies /outlets. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. If you have any doubts, please seek advice from your pharmacist.

DRAP’s Pharmacovigilance Newsletter (December, 2023 ; Issue-II)

The Pharmacovigilance Newsletter is a quarterly publication that aims to inform and educate the healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting. It also showcases the activities of the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) and initiatives taken by the NPC for monitoring and evaluating the safety of medicines in Pakistan.

We are pleased to announce that the second issue of the Pharmacovigilance Newsletter (Dec-2023) is now available for download from our website. This issue covers the latest updates on the safety of medicinal products and regulatory actions taken by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and other international authorities.

We hope that you will find the newsletter informative and useful. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvement. You can contact us at npcdrap.gov.pk or call us at +92-51-9255980. Thank you for your interest and support in pharmacovigilance.

Together, we can ensure the safe and effective use of medicines in Pakistan.

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Sterile Water for Injection (Batch # B6-77) by ISIS Pharmaceutical & Chemical Works, Karachi

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNo I/S/11-23-43
Action Date8th Dec, 2023
Target Audience·  Pharmacists and Chemists at Distribution, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
·  Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospital and clinics etc.
· General Public
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has informed DRAP regarding the sample of product namely “Sterile Water for Injection” Batch No. B6-77 manufactured by M/s. ISIS Pharmaceuticals & Chemical works, 25/1-4, Sector 12-C, North Karachi Industrial Area, Karachi, has been declared as of “Substandard” quality.

Therapeutic Good(s) Affected: –

Product NamesCompositionBatch No Manufacturer
Sterile Water for Injection  
 
 
Reg.No 048819
Sterile Water for InjectionBatch No: B6-77
 
Mfg. Date: August 2023
Exp. Date: August 2025
M/s. ISIS Pharmaceutical
& Chemical Works, Karachi
Risk Statement:Sterile water for injection is a sterile, non-pyrogenic, and isotonic solution of water that does not contain any additives. It is mainly used as a solvent or diluent for other parenteral drugs, such as antibiotics and administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously.

Endotoxin is a toxic substance that can cause serious harm such as fever, inflammation, shock, coagulation, and immune suppression. Using endotoxin-contaminated water for injection can lead to life-threatening complications, especially if injected intravenously.
Action Initiated-The manufacturer has been directed to immediately recall the defective batch of product from the market. All pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and pharmacies should immediately check their stocks and stop supplying this batch of product. The remaining stock should be quarantined and returned to the supplier/ company. The regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP and Provincial Health Departments) has increase surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective products(s).

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of the product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using the online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or by Email at gsmsdra.gov.pk.

-Regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP, Provincial Health Departments, and States) has also increased the surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective product(s).
Advice for Healthcare ProfessionalsDRAP requests to enhance vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by this defective batch of the product.  

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using the
Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.

-Please click here for further information on problem reporting to DRAP.
Advice for Consumers-Consumers should stop using this product bearing the affected batch number(s). They shall contact their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have experienced any problem that may be related to using this product.

-All therapeutic products must be obtained from authorized licensed pharmacies /outlets. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. If you have any doubts, please seek advice from your pharmacist.

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Dolor DS 100mg/5mL Suspension (Batch # 1236,1237 and 1238) by Adamjee Pharmaceutical, Karachi

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNo II/S/10-23-42
Action Date30th Nov, 2023
Target Audience·  Pharmacists and Chemists at Distribution, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
·  Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospital and clinics etc.
· General Public
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has declared the03 Batches of product “Dolor DS Suspension” as of substandard quality.
The detail of the affected product is as under:

Therapeutic Good(s) Affected: –

Product NamesCompositionBatch No Manufacturer
Dolor DS Suspension  
 
 
Reg.No 14451
Mefenamic AcidBatch No1236, 1237, 1238
 
Mfg. Date: March 2023
Exp. Date: March 2025
M/s. Adamjee Pharmaceuticals
(Pvt.) Ltd, Karachi
Risk Statement:Mefenamic acid is used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain from various conditions such as headache, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. Inaccurate use of the product may lead to common side effects like skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Impact of use of substandard product on basis of pH test may significantly altered the solubility and interfere with its absorption which may leads to sub optimal therapeutic effect.
 
Action Initiated-The manufacturer has been directed to immediately recall the defective batch of product from the market. All pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and pharmacies should immediately check their stocks and stop supplying this batch of product. The remaining stock should be quarantined and returned to the supplier/ company. The regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP and Provincial Health Departments) has increase surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective products(s).

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of the product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using the online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or by Email at gsmsdra.gov.pk.

-Regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP, Provincial Health Departments, and States) has also increased the surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective product(s).
Advice for Healthcare ProfessionalsDRAP requests to enhance vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by this defective batch of the product.  

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using the
Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.

-Please click here for further information on problem reporting to DRAP.
Advice for Consumers-Consumers should stop using this product bearing the affected batch number(s). They shall contact their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have experienced any problem that may be related to using this product.

-All therapeutic products must be obtained from authorized licensed pharmacies /outlets. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. If you have any doubts, please seek advice from your pharmacist.

Decisions of 62nd Meeting of Medical Device Board (Deficiency letter for Medical Devices Applications)

The Medical Device Board (MDB) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan in its 62nd meeting has deferred the following applications of registration of medical devices due to various deficiencies/shortcomings in the applications dossiers. These applicants are requested to furnish the requisite information/documentation as directed by the Medical Device Board. The detail is provided in the below attachment.