ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a rapid alert after five batches of counterfeit medicines bearing the names of well-known pharmaceutical brands were detected in Karachi, warning that their use could pose serious health risks.
According to DRAP, the Drug Testing Laboratory in Karachi declared samples from five medicine batches counterfeit following information received from Sindh drug authorities.
The medicines are used to treat various conditions, including stomach acidity, respiratory and kidney infections, allergies and muscle inflammation.
According to the alert, a counterfeit batch of Mucaine syrup, commonly used to relieve stomach acidity and irritation, was found being sold in Karachi.
Fake batches of Augmentin tablets, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, and Velosef capsules, prescribed for certain bacterial infections, were also detected.
The alert further identified a counterfeit batch of Nezomist nasal spray, bearing batch number FW 099, and No-Spa Forte 80mg, used to relieve muscle spasms, bearing batch number AN010.
DRAP said the counterfeit medicines had been manufactured under the names of established national and multinational pharmaceutical brands. Laboratory testing failed to verify the identity of the active ingredients in samples from all five batches.
The authority warned that the medicines had allegedly been manufactured illegally and supplied to the market. Their quality, safety and therapeutic effectiveness could not be established, and their use could potentially prove life-threatening.
DRAP has directed provincial drug control authorities and field enforcement teams to immediately seize the identified counterfeit batches to prevent their further distribution and protect public health.