PPB recalls cancer drug Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection, Batch No. HHP24017
All healthcare practitioners and dispensing pharmacies directed to immediately stop the use and sale of the batch.
The Ministry of Health on Thursday issued a notice recalling a cancer drug previously used for injection purposes.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) directed all healthcare practitioners and dispensing pharmacies to immediately stop the use and sale of Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection.
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"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board ("the Board") orders the quarantine of Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection, Batch No. HHP24017, manufactured by Halsted Pharma Private Limited, India," the Board stated.
The cancer drug, commonly used in chemotherapy to treat cancers such as colon, breast, and stomach cancer, has been flagged for potential quality concerns.
The Board has directed health practitioners and pharmaceutical outlets to immediately stop using, distributing, or selling the affected batch while it works to remove it from circulation.
"In light of this, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately quarantine the product batch and stop the further distribution, sale, issuance, or use of the affected batch," the notice added.
The board clarified that manufacturers occasionally recall specific batch numbers, so patients should be aware of this.
The Board has also urged the public to report any suspected cases of substandard drugs to the nearest health facility for immediate action.
The PPB issued another recall on November 22, 2024, involving two nasal drops manufactured by Laboratory and Allied Ltd in Kenya, Efinox 1% w/v (Batch No. 82979) and Efinox 0.5% w/v (Batch No. 82978).
"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has mandated the recall of Efinox 1% w/v Batch No. 82979 and Efinox 0.5% w/v Batch No. 82978 manufactured by Laboratory and Allied Ltd, Kenya," the statement read.
A mix-up in labelling and packaging led to differences in the potency of the drugs, prompting the earlier recall.
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