LAHORE – Medicines that millions trust for their health were suddenly found to be unsafe in Punjab. The Directorate of Drugs Control revealed that certain batches of Injection Neudex and Infusion Zeesol H are adulterated or substandard.
Patients who unknowingly use these products risk serious health complications, from infections caused by contaminated IV fluids to complications from faulty steroids. Authorities are now scrambling to remove these medicines from circulation, warn healthcare providers, and trace every vial and bottle that has already reached hospitals and homes. The recall is stark reminder of the fragile line between healing and harm, and how crucial vigilance is in protecting public health.
Punjab Directorate of Drugs Control issued urgent recall of certain medicines after laboratory tests revealed serious safety issues. Drug Testing Laboratories Punjab declared the listed products either adulterated or substandard, prompting the Provincial Quality Control Board to order immediate removal of the affected batches from the market.
Injection Neudex 1mL (Dexamethasone sodium phosphate equivalent to 4mg/mL Dexamethasone phosphate) – Reg #042943
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Batch DX063, DX079 – Expiry: Oct 2027
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Batch DX080 – Expiry: Nov 2027
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Declared adulterated by the Drug Testing Laboratories, raising serious concerns over patient safety.
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Infusion Zeesol H 1000mL (Ringer Lactate, each 1000mL contains: Calcium Chloride 2H2O 0.27g, Potassium Chloride 0.40g, Sodium Chloride 6.00g, Sodium Lactate 3.20g, Water for Injection)
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Batch 2503281 – Expiry: Feb 2030
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Declared substandard based on sterility test results, posing potential risks of contamination.
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Under new guidelines, autrhorities recalled identified batches. Provide a complete distribution trail. Submit a “Recall Assessment Form” on the DRAP website (dra.gov.pk).
Conduct a detailed root cause analysis. Prepare a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan.
All pharmacies, medical stores, wholesalers, distributors, and healthcare facilities are instructed to stop dispensing these products immediately and report current inventory and consumption records to their respective Drug Inspector or Drug Inspector Distributor.
Punjab’s drug control authorities have also directed all field offices to enhance surveillance within supply chains and take regulatory action under the Drug Act 1976 and DRAP Act 2012.
This alert serves as a critical warning to healthcare professionals and the public to ensure these potentially harmful medicines are not used. Citizens are urged to verify their medicines and cooperate with authorities to prevent any health risks.
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