Pharmacy and Poisons Board issues alert on substandard Fluorouracil injection

By Robert  Mutasi

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has alerted the public over the quarantine of Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil Injection) batch number HHP24017.

Manufactured by Halsted Pharma Private Limited in India, the suspected substandard quality medicine regarding appearance parameters was flagged.

The PPB said in a statement dated Thursday that the batch is commonly used for the management of cancer.

The alert comes following a market complaint that raised concerns about the integrity of the product.

As a precautionary measure, the Board has ordered all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare providers, and the public to cease distribution, sale, and use of the specified batch immediately.

The PPB is urging vigilance and has advised those in possession of the affected batch to quarantine the product.

Further, the Board outlined that suspected cases of adverse drug reactions or substandard medicines should be reported on any of the following platforms:Online Reporting: PPB reporting portalUSSD Code: Dial *271#Mobile Application: mPvERS (available on Android and iOS)Email: pv@ppb.go.ke or pms@ppb.go.keTelephone: 0795743049.

Dr. F.M. Siyoi, Chief Executive Officer, PPB, said the Board remained committed to ensuring that all medicines offered to the Kenyan people were safe, of efficacy, and quality.

He emphasized that a swift action was necessary as it would protect public health and cancer patients dependent on this very drug for treatment.

This is not the first time that questions have been raised over imported pharmaceuticals, which are in urgent need of strict monitoring mechanisms along with enforcement.

The PPB has assured the public of continued efforts in regulating medical products in the Kenyan market to ensure the highest levels of health and safety are observed.

Healthcare facilities and professionals are expected to take prompt action in complying with the directive to ensure that the affected product is removed from circulation.

The public has been urged to be well-informed and to report any suspicious pharmaceutical products to the PPB.

This development underlines the importance of robust pharmacovigilance systems in preventing potential health risks due to substandard medications.