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The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has ordered the recall of a drug manufactured by an Indian firm.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the board revealed that it has ordered the withdrawal of S-PRAZO (Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40mg) Batch No SPZ-302 Manufactured by Laborate Pharmaceutical India Limited from the shelves.

Reason for recall

According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, the drug has been recalled due to a mix-up.

“The product batch is being recalled following a market complaint regarding mix-up of blister strips; some boxes were found to contain two different blister strips, i.e., S-Prazo capsules and Donystatin tablets, within the same outer carton,” the statement read in part.

Following the recall order, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board has directed all pharmaceutical outlets and healthcare facilities to stop selling and distributing the drug.

Instead, the board asked the facilities to return the medical product to the nearest healthcare facility.

“In view of the above, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to STOP further distribution, sale, issuing, or use of the product batch and return the specified product batch to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers,” the board stated.

The drug is used for treating acid-related diseases of the stomach and intestine such as heartburn, acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Moreover, the board appealed to the public to report any cases of substandard medicines for them to take action.

“The Board remains committed to protecting the health of the public and encourages the public to promptly report any suspected cases of substandard medicines or adverse drug reactions. The reports may be made to the nearest healthcare facility or the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through the following channels: website: https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic.”