KENYA—The Ministry of Health in Kenya, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has announced the recall of Flurasted 500 (5-fluorouracil) Injection, a chemotherapy drug used in cancer treatment.
The affected batch, identified as HHP24017, is manufactured by Halsted Pharma Private Limited in India.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), the active ingredient in Flurasted 500, is widely used in chemotherapy to treat various types of cancer, including colon, breast, and stomach cancers. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
However, the PPB’s decision to recall the batch follows complaints about the drug’s appearance, which raised concerns about its quality.
Dr. F. M. Siyoi, CEO of the PPB, emphasized that all healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical outlets, and professionals must immediately quarantine the affected batch.
The Board has urged the public to stop distributing, selling, or using the recalled product.
Additionally, anyone possessing the batch is advised to report it to the nearest healthcare facility for further guidance.
This recall is not an isolated incident recently, given that on November 22, the PPB issued another recall for two batches of Efinox Nasal Drops produced by Laboratory and Allied Ltd in Kenya.
This recall affected batches 82979 (1% w/v) and 82978 (0.5% w/v), which were recalled due to labelling errors.
Investigations had revealed that a mix-up occurred during the packaging process, where the strengths of the nasal drops were incorrectly labelled.
In a public statement regarding the Efinox Nasal Drops, the PPB emphasized the importance of accurate labelling to avoid potential health risks.
They directed healthcare providers and the public to discontinue using the affected products and report any adverse incidents related to them.
These recalls are critical to safeguarding patients’ health, as compromised medication quality could impact treatment outcomes.
The board’s swift response highlights its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products in the market.
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