Punjab halts sale of key medicines

The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority has issued a medical product alert for seven medicines, including antibiotics and anti-allergy drugs, found to be below quality standards.

These drugs failed to meet ASSA test standards and were found to contain adulteration and foreign particles, leading to urgent regulatory action. The flagged medicines include three batches of Methylcobalamin injections and tablets, one batch of anti-allergic tablets, and two batches of antibiotics. Identified batches are:

• Neocobal Injection (Batch S-2455)
• Meclomine Tablets (Batches 8440, 8482)
• Amekoran Injection (Batch BK-019)
• Aqua-P Sterile Water (Batch 669)
• Ortizin Tablets (Batch 241268)
• Dorcip Antibiotic Drip (Batch DC-121)

The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority has advised the provincial government to take immediate steps to stop the distribution of these drugs. Pharmacies and medical distributors have been ordered to halt sales of these batches and report any suspicious stock.

Officials have started strict market monitoring and supply chain inspections to prevent the spread of these low-quality medicines. The public is urged to stay cautious, as using such drugs can negatively affect health and treatment effectiveness.

Meanwhile, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is also continuing its crackdown on the illegal sale and production of unregistered medicines. In Lahore, authorities seized unlicensed Urografin 76% Injections and unregistered Lipiodol Ultra Liquid. DRAP also sealed a facility found manufacturing illegal medical devices. Authorities are working to strengthen regulations to protect public health and ensure safe and effective medicines remain in circulation.