NAFDAC warns against four medicines recalled in Pakistan

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned healthcare professionals, importers, distributors, retailers, and the public against four medicines recalled by Pakistan’s drug regulatory authority due to quality concerns.

The agency disclosed this in a public alert issued on Friday, following a recall by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) of specific batches of the medicines.

The affected medicines are Nitras tablets, Kadin 2 tablets, Acefyl cough syrup and Loratadine 24 tablets.

According to NAFDAC, the products were recalled after being found adulterated or substandard, with the regulatory findings linked to quality defects and contamination.

NAFDAC said the affected products could pose serious health risks if used, including reduced therapeutic effectiveness, unexpected adverse reactions and treatment failure.

It warned that patients taking medicines for cardiac conditions, allergies, muscle spasms, and cough-related illnesses could be at increased risk of complications.

More details

The affected products include Nitras tablets, containing glyceryl trinitrate, manufactured by M/s Caraway Pharma, Rawat, with batch number 24L069. The product was classified as substandard.

Kadin 2 tablets, containing tizanidine hydrochloride and manufactured by M/S FYNK Pharma, Lahore, with batch number 569, were classified as adulterated.

Acefyl cough syrup, containing acefylline piperazine and manufactured by M/s NABIQASIM Industries, Karachi, with batch number ACH479, was also classified as adulterated.

Similarly, Loratadine 24 tablets, containing loratadine and manufactured by M/S Murfy Pharma, Lahore, with batch number 24, were classified as adulterated.

Surveillance

NAFDAC said it was monitoring the situation to ensure that the recalled medicines do not enter Nigeria.

It said all its zonal directors and state coordinators had been directed to conduct surveillance and remove the affected products if they are found within their jurisdictions.

The agency urged importers, distributors, healthcare facilities, pharmacies and members of the public to remain vigilant across the medical supply chain.

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“Healthcare professionals and consumers should avoid buying and using the recalled products,” NAFDAC said, stressing that medicines should only be purchased from authorised or licensed suppliers.

The agency also advised consumers to carefully check the authenticity and physical condition of medicines before use.

Call to action

NAFDAC urged anyone who suspects the sale or distribution of substandard or falsified medicines or medical devices to report such cases to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency provided its toll-free line, 0800-162-3322, and email, [email protected], for such reports.

The health body also encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects associated with medicines or medical devices through NAFDAC’s E-reporting platforms, the Med Safety application, or [email protected].

For complaints relating to the agency’s operations, NAFDAC said members of the public could contact its Reforms Unit on 09097630506 or 09097630507, or email [email protected].