Govt recalls ulcers capsules after mix-up during packaging

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a recall of a batch of Esomeprazole drugs manufactured by Laborate Pharmaceutical India Limited.

Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and oesophagus problems (such as acid reflux and ulcers), by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach generates. 

PPB, on Tuesday, said the Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40 mg (Batch No. SPZ-302 of S-PRAZO) were ordered off the market following complaints about a mix-up in blister strips.

The board's Chief Executive Officer, Fred Siyoi, said, “The product batch is being recalled following a market complaint regarding the 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."

An officer from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) inspects drugs at a pharmacy. (X/PPB)

S-Prazo (Esomeprazole Magnesium) is used to reduce stomach acid, erosive oesophagitis, stomach ulcers, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, while Donystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections like thrush, specifically targeting fungi rather than managing acid levels.

Siyoi urged all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, professionals, and the public to immediately cease the distribution, sale, issuance, or use of this batch and to return the affected product to the nearest healthcare facility or suppliers.

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The Board emphasised that it remains committed to protecting the health of the public and encourages the public to promptly report any suspected cases of sub-standard medicines or adverse drug reactions.

Reports may be made to the nearest healthcare facility or the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through its website: https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic, USSD code: *271#, email: [email protected] or [email protected], or through telephone No. 0795743049.