KARACHI: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued an emergency alert after identifying nine suspected counterfeit, adulterated, substandard and unregistered medicines and healthcare products being sold in Karachi’s markets.
The products include items intended for children, as well as medicines and healthcare products marketed for eye care, dental hygiene, skin conditions and ear pain.
According to DRAP, the use of these products could pose serious health risks, as their quality, safety and therapeutic effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. The use of counterfeit or substandard medicines may also result in ineffective treatment and various medical complications.
In its rapid alert, the authority said laboratory tests conducted by the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) Sindh, Karachi, found the samples of the nine products to be adulterated, substandard, spurious or unregistered.
The identified products comprise four types of mouthwash, two eye-care products, two ear creams and one skin lotion.
The products named in the DRAP alert include Baby Eye Spray, Tobramycin Ophthalmic Solution, Total Care Mouthwash, Denzicor Mouthwash, Anti Plaque Mouthwash and Happy Tooth Kids Mouthwash.
The list also includes Baby Care Ear Cream and Vital Ear Cream, both marketed for ear pain, as well as Magic Lotion, batch No. 002, intended for skin-related conditions.
According to DRAP, the manufacturing details appearing on the products under investigation mention LC Care Pharma and New Herbal Care, Karachi. Seven products carry the name of LC Care Pharma, while Baby Care Ear Cream and Vital Ear Cream bear the name of New Herbal Care. However, the details printed on the products do not independently confirm their actual source or manufacturer.
The authority warned that the use of counterfeit and substandard medicines could prevent patients from receiving effective treatment, potentially allowing infections and other medical conditions to worsen.
It particularly highlighted the need for caution regarding products intended for children and those used to treat sensitive organs, including the eyes.
DRAP has directed provincial drug control authorities and regulatory field teams to strengthen surveillance across the pharmaceutical supply chain, covering the manufacturing, distribution and sale of medicines.
The relevant authorities have also been instructed to identify and seize the suspected products and take immediate measures to prevent their further sale through distributors, pharmacies and medical stores.
DRAP has advised consumers not to use the identified products and to immediately consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional if they experience any medical complications after using them.
Consumers have also been urged to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and authorized medical outlets, carefully check product packaging and labelling, and seek professional advice whenever the authenticity of a medicine is in doubt.
