KPB Issues Nationwide Recall of Unsafe Drugs, Including Paracetamol

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya has initiated an urgent recall of several widely distributed pharmaceutical products due to significant safety and quality issues. 

The recall includes specific batches of paracetamol injections, esomeprazole capsules, and Augmentin antibiotics, commonly used in homes and healthcare facilities across the country. This action, announced on April 24 by PPB CEO Fred Siyoi, affirms the critical need for stringent quality control within the pharmaceutical sector to safeguard public health. The recall was prompted by alarming findings related to the affected drugs. Paracetamol injections, a staple for pain relief and fever reduction, were flagged due to noticeable colour changes, raising concerns about their safety and efficacy. 

The implicated batches include Lumidol Injection (Batch Numbers CM4594007, CM4594008, and CM4594009), Blink Injection (Batch Numbers CS4594004 and CS4594005), and Paragen Injection (Batch Number K4290027). All these products were manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical LLP in India. In a separate but equally concerning development, a batch of S-Prazo (Esomeprazole 40mg), a medication used to treat acid reflux and ulcers, was found to contain a strip of Levofloxacin 500mg tablets instead of the intended capsules. 

This mix-up, involving Batch Number SPZ404 and manufactured by Medico Remedies Pharmaceutical India, poses significant risks to patients who may inadvertently consume the wrong medication, potentially leading to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment. The recall also extends to Augmentin, a widely prescribed antibiotic used to treat various infections. The PPB identified falsified batches of Augmentin 1G (Batch Number SHS2) and Augmentin 625MG (Batch Numbers 8X3K and EU7C) circulating in the Kenyan market. 

The presence of counterfeit drugs not only undermines public trust in the healthcare system but also poses a serious threat to patient safety, as these products may lack the necessary active ingredients or contain harmful substances. The PPB has called on all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, and professionals to immediately cease the distribution, sale, and use of the affected products. Members of the public are urged to return any of the flagged medications to their nearest healthcare facility or supplier.

The presence of substandard and counterfeit drugs endangers individual patients and undermines broader public health efforts, such as combating antibiotic resistance. Counterfeit antibiotics like Augmentin can contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat infections effectively. Patients are encouraged to consult medical professionals for alternative treatments and report any adverse drug reactions or suspected cases of substandard medicines to the PPB.