Once again, a major crackdown has been carried out in Punjab against counterfeit medicines. In this operation, the Punjab Drug Control Directorate seized fake medicines being used for the treatment of fever, throat infections, fungal infections, and gynecological diseases.
On the request of the Punjab Drug Control Directorate, DRAP has also issued a rapid alert stating that the Punjab Drug Testing Lab has declared 5 batches of 5 medicines as fake.
According to the DRAP alert, the medicines have been declared fake under Drug Act 1976 Section 3. These counterfeit medicines were produced under the names of local pharma companies, and the labels of these medicines carry addresses of Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sargodha.
While giving details of the counterfeit medicines, DRAP stated that Paracetamol Extra Syrup 1000 ml batch MT 357 is fake. In addition, Klarisid 500 mg tablet batch 722269, used for the treatment of throat infections, is also fake.
Carefin 450 ml suspension batch CN 37, used for fever and body pain; Terbisel 250 mg tablet batch 473, for fungal infections; and Dropha 10 mg tablet batch DRP 0005, used for gynecological treatment — all these medicines are counterfeit.
The DRAP alert states that raw materials are not used in the preparation of fake medicines. Their efficacy is unclear, and their use can be life-threatening. The use of substandard medicines can also result in treatment failure.
The DRAP alert states that raw materials are not used in the preparation of fake medicines. Their efficacy is unclear, and their use can be life-threatening. The use of substandard medicines can also result in treatment failure.
DRAP has instructed the Punjab government to take emergency steps to stop substandard medicines, increase market surveillance through the DRAP Regulatory Force and Punjab Drug Control Directorate, and conduct a comprehensive investigation of the supply chain of fake medicines in the province.
DRAP has clearly told the Punjab government to ensure the elimination of fake medicines from the market through the regulatory force. The batches of fake medicines available in the markets should be seized. Distributors and medical stores must also immediately report regarding fake medicines.
