The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) issued a recall alert on Sunday for a specific batch of Novaris Syrup, a medication used to treat iron deficiency, after it was declared substandard by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Karachi.
DRAP’s action follows the discovery that Novaris Syrup 50mg/5ml, manufactured by Shrooq Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd in Lahore, contains excessive Ethylene Glycol, a toxic chemical that poses significant health risks. The affected batch, Batch No. 113, contained 0.78% Ethylene Glycol, exceeding the safety limit.
As a result, DRAP has ordered a recall of this batch from the market and has prohibited its sale, supply, and use. This measure is part of broader efforts by DRAP to ensure patient safety and drug efficacy following an earlier recall of 11 different substandard medicines. Investigations and actions against the involved pharmaceutical companies are ongoing.
Further findings from the drug testing laboratory in Punjab have disclosed that several substandard and counterfeit medications are being sold in Lahore and manufactured in Lahore and Karachi. This situation underscores the critical ongoing challenges in drug regulation and enforcement within the region.
