The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has declared two commonly available medicines “spurious” and directed provincial drug inspectors to seize the affected products from the market.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the medicines identified are Efaston tablets (Dydrogesterone 10mg) and Paracare suspension 60ml (Paracetamol 120mg/5ml). Laboratory tests revealed that neither products do not contain any active ingredient, making them unsafe for public use.
DRAP warned that such falsified drugs pose a serious risk to public health, potentially leading to treatment failure, worsening of disease, or life-threatening complications, especially for patients relying on them for essential treatment.
The regulatory authority has advised the public to immediately stop using these products and to consult a doctor if they experience any adverse effects. Consumers have also been urged to check batch numbers before purchase and report any suspicious medicines to health authorities.
Healthcare professionals, pharmacies, and hospitals have been instructed to exercise strict vigilance in monitoring their supply chains and to report any quality or safety issues related to these drugs to DRAP.