The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has imposed an immediate ban on the sale and use of specific batches of three drugs found to be substandard and counterfeit.
According to DRAP, the decision followed laboratory testing. This was conducted at the Central Drug Laboratory, Karachi, and the Drug Testing Laboratory, Punjab. The results confirmed that the medicines failed quality standards and posed serious health risks.
The regulator issued Rapid Alerts after tests identified counterfeit pain relief and tablet products sold under the names Leo Healthcare Lab and Hakeem Purana Dawakhana in Karachi. DRAP clarified that neither entity holds a valid drug manufacturing licence, rendering their production and distribution illegal.
Read: DRAP Recalls Suspected Fake Anti-Rabies Vaccine in Pakistan
In a separate finding, DRAP revealed that one batch of Duphalac Syrup, a common gastrointestinal treatment, was counterfeit, falsely bearing Abbott Pharma Canada’s name and address, a claim the company formally denied.
DRAP officials warn that counterfeit medicines threaten public health by compromising treatments, worsening conditions, triggering adverse reactions, and potentially causing fatalities.
The authority has directed enforcement teams nationwide to trace supply chains, recall affected batches, and seize all fake stock, while pursuing action against illegal manufacturers and distributors.
DRAP urges the public to stay vigilant, shun suspicious medicines, and report doubtful products immediately, emphasising that cooperation remains essential to curb counterfeits and safeguard patients.
