Punjab Orders Recall of Two Medicine Batches After Quality Tests

The Punjab government has ordered the recall of two batches of medicines after drug-testing laboratories found them to be substandard or adulterated.

The action was taken by the Directorate of Drug Control, Punjab, following directions from the Provincial Quality Control Board based on laboratory test results.

Two Medicine Batches Recalled

The recall covers the following products:

• Injection Mecodax (Mecobalamin) — Batch 176, Registration No. 065622, expiring in August 2027.
• Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 10mg Film-Coated Tablets — Batch BCT-005, Registration No. 123852, expiring in February 2027.

The drug control authorities have instructed companies and distributors to immediately remove the affected batches from circulation.

Pharmacies and Hospitals Asked to Stop Dispensing

Pharmacies, medical stores, wholesalers, distributors and healthcare facilities have been directed to stop selling or dispensing the recalled batches.

They have also been asked to provide details of the available stock and records of medicine distribution or consumption to the relevant drug inspectors.

Manufacturers, market authorization holders and distributors must complete the required recall process and ensure that the affected products are withdrawn from the market.

Consumers Advised to Stop Using Recalled Medicines

Patients and consumers who have any of the affected batches are advised to stop using them and contact a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist for appropriate guidance.

The recall follows laboratory findings that classified the specified batches as substandard or adulterated, prompting authorities to take precautionary action.

Manufacturers Ordered to Investigate

The authorities have also instructed the manufacturers to conduct a root-cause analysis to determine how the quality issue occurred.

They must submit a Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan to the drug control department outlining the steps being taken to address the problem and prevent similar issues in the future.

Adverse Reactions Should Be Reported

Anyone who develops an adverse reaction after using one of the affected medicine batches has been advised to report the incident through Pakistan’s Medicine Surveillance System.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to provide accurate information about the medicine and any suspected reaction to help authorities monitor medicine safety.