Important Notice to Pharmaceutical / Biological Manufacturers and Importers

DRAP has deployed an online application management system namely, Pakistan Integrated Regulatory Information Management System (PIRIMS) for processing of regulatory information related to licensing, registration and inspections of pharmaceutical and biological drugs.

All the Registration Holders of pharmaceutical and biological drug products are directed to update the finished product specifications and validated testing procedures i.e. Pharmacopoeial or in case of non-availability in any pharmacopeia, Innovator / Manufacturer’s Specification,  in the corresponding product profile / details in the PIRIMS at http://pirims.dra.gov.pk. The portal  to perform the above-said activity will remain accessible for thirty days after publication of this notice and afterwards, no request shall be entertained. It is further clarified that after the lapse of the due time for above-said activity, necessary regulatory fee may apply.

For further information and queries, Registration holders may contact Data Management Cell (DMC) of Pharmaceutical Evaluation & Registration Division through email (dmcdra.gov.pk) with regards to guidance for procedures and requirements etc.

Pakistan Integrated Regulatory Information Management System (PIRIMS)

PIRIMS enable the regulators and industry to communicate electronically for processing regulatory information related to licensing, registration, inspections procedures for pharmaceutical and biological drugs.

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Opth-Carb Sterile Intraocular Solution (Batch#OP154) by M/s Opth Pharma (Pvt) Ltd., Karachi.

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNoI/S/03-23-16
Action Date9th March 2023
Target Audience1. Pharmacists and Chemists at Distributions, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
2. Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at Hospitals, Clinics and Healthcare Providing Institutions
3. General Public
Product(s) Affected Ophth-Carb Sterile Intraocular Solution
Manufactured by: M/s. Ophth Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd., Karachi
Batch No. OP154
Manufacturing Date: 12-2022
Expiry Date: 11-2024
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has declared the Batch No. OP154 of product “Ophth-Carb Sterile Intraocular Solution” as of substandard quality.
Risk StatementCarbachol is primarily used in the treatment of glaucoma, it is also used during ophthalmic surgery. All ophthalmic products must meet a number of requirements of safety and sterility and if the product is not sterile (free from bacteria or microorganisms), it may lead to serious infection which includes but not limited to redness of eyes, itching in eyes, watery discharge, blurred vision and loss of vision.
Action Initiated-The sole agent / registration holder has been directed to immediately recall the defected 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 quarantine and return to the supplier / company.

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or 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 Professionals-DRAP requests increase vigilance within the supply chains of healthcare institutions and hospital pharmacies to identify and return the defective batch(es) of this product to the importer / company.

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using 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) and shall contact to their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have had experienced any problem that may be related to taking or using this product.

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

Med Safety App Updates; Mobile Application for Reporting of Adverse Drug Reaction is Updated and Improved

Dear Med Safety App User!

DRAP would like to request all Med Safety Application Users to update the “Med Safety App” from the respective application store to install the latest features, improvements and bug fixes.

The developer of the app Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA) UK has announced a significant update to the Med Safety App which is available from both Android and Apple app stores from Thursday 2nd March 2023. This update supports new features in the reporting form and allows us (National Pharmacovigilance Centre DRAP) to ask specific questions relating to a patient’s report based on the information provided. The update will also enable requests for further information to be displayed within the app and for user responses to be sent back to us. 

Improvements to general performance and bug fixes released as part of this major update in new version of Med Safety Mobile Application.

Safety Alert: WHO Global Alert on Tetracycline Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Ointment USP 1%

Safety Alert

Update from WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System

Date:28th February 2023
Target Audience:· Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospitals and clinics etc.
· International travelers/General Public
· NGO’s/Supply Donations/Humanitarian Medicines
Problem or IssueWorld Health Organization (WHO) issued Medical Product Alert No. N°2/2023 dated 22nd February 2023 which refers to the batches of Tetracycline Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Ointment USP 1%, manufactured by Galentic Pharma (India) Pvt. Ltd, located at R-673, T.T.C. MIDC Rabale, Thane- Belapur Road, Navi Mumbai – 400701, Maharashtra, India Supplied in various countries under various labels.
Visual examination of random samples had shown a range of quality issues with the random samples of the product batches e.g. particles ranging in color, size and shape on the nozzle, in the cap and in the ointment inside each tube, black spots and brown splotches on the inner foil layer of the tube, and phase separation.
DRAP has never authorized sale of any products from Galentic Pharma (India) Pvt. Ltd (Thane Belapur Road, Navi Mumbai, India). These products are neither registered nor available on Pakistan market, however these may have been carried for personal use while visiting other countries.
The manufacturer has initiated a voluntary recall for several batches. The manufacturer has indicated that other batches may be included in the voluntary recall
Potential Hazards:There is currently no established evidence of any adverse events from the affected batches of TETRACYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT USP 1%. Redness and swollen eyes are common reactions to general use of tetracycline eye ointment. There is currently no indication that the above-mentioned quality issues may give rise to adverse events that are not listed in the product labelling. The affected TETRACYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE OPHTHALMIC OINTMENT USP 1% is supplied in bulk and as a component of various medical kits supplied by some international organizations providing humanitarian assistance.
Advice for healthcare professionals:DRAP requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by this affected batch of product. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of any product shall be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.  Further information of reporting problems to DRAP is available on this link.
Advice for patients:Consumers should stop using this product bearing the affected batch number(s) and shall contact to their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product, and report the incident to Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan/ National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

All therapeutic goods must be obtained from the licensed pharmacies, and other authorized retail outlets. The authenticity and condition of products should be carefully checked. Seek advice from your pharmacists or other healthcare professional in case of any doubt.

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Oscal-D Tablets (Batch # 6904) by M/s Aries Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Peshawar.

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNoI/S/02-23-14
Action Date24th February 2023
Target Audience1. Pharmacists and Chemists at Distributions, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
2. Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at Hospitals, Clinics and Healthcare Providing Institutions
3. General Public
Product(s) Affected Oscal-D Tablets
Manufactured by: M/s. Aries Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Peshawar.
Batch No. 6904
Manufacturing Date: 07-2022
Expiry Date: 07-2024
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has declared the Batch No. 6904 of product “Oscal-D Tablets” as of substandard quality.
Risk StatementOscal-D Tablets may be used to treat conditions caused by low calcium levels such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia/rickets, hypoparathyroidism and latent tetany. Inaccurate use of the product may lead to adverse reactions including but not limited to irregular heartbeat, weakness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth or a metallic taste in your mouth or muscle or bone pain. Impact of use of substandard product on basis of assay test may leads to low to no therapeutic effect etc.
Action Initiated-The sole agent / registration holder has been directed to immediately recall the defected 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 quarantine and return to the supplier / company.

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or 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 Professionals-DRAP requests increase vigilance within the supply chains of healthcare institutions and hospital pharmacies to identify and return the defective batch(es) of this product to the importer / company.

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using 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) and shall contact to their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have had experienced any problem that may be related to taking or using this product.

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

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Calcium Gluconate Injection (Batch # 220325) by M/s Shaheen Agency Karachi

Recall Alert

DRAP Alert NoNoI/S/02-23-11
Action Date23rd February 2023.
Target Audience1. Pharmacists and Chemists at Distributions, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
2. Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at Hospitals, Clinics and Healthcare Providing Institutions
3. General Public
Product(s) Affected Calcium Gluconate Injection
Company: Importer Name; M/s. Shaheen Agency, Karachi , Manufactured by: M/s. China National M/H Shanghai China
Batch No. 220325
Manufacturing Date: 03-2022
Expiry Date: 03-2025
Problem / Issue Drug inspector Quetta took the sample of Calcium Gluconate Injection Batch no. 220325 which has declared as Misbranded by Provincial Drug Testing Laboratory, Quetta. Details of the product is given as under:
Risk Statementinjection Calcium gluconate is a lifesaving drug which is indicated for pediatric and adult patients for the treatment of acute symptomatic hypocalcemia. Wrongful use /misleading information due to delible printing upon label of Injection Calcium Gluconate, may disturb the patient’s body calcium balance and may lead to adverse reactions including but not limited to following:
(i) Arrhythmias with Concomitant Cardiac Glycoside Use.
(ii) End-Organ Damage due to Intravascular Ceftriaxone-Calcium Precipitates.
(iii) Tissue Necrosis and Calcinosis.
(iv)Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Cardiac Arrhythmias.
Action Initiated-The sole agent / registration holder has been directed to immediately recall the defected 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 quarantine and return to the supplier / company.

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or 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 Professionals-DRAP requests increase vigilance within the supply chains of healthcare institutions and hospital pharmacies to identify and return the defective batch(es) of this product to the importer / company.

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using 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) and shall contact to their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have had experienced any problem that may be related to taking or using this product.

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