KENYA—The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has voluntarily recalled S-Prazo (Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40mg), a medication commonly used for treating heartburn and stomach ulcers.
In a statement released by CEO Fred Siyoi, the PPB detailed that the recall specifically affects drug batch number SPZ-302, which is manufactured by Laborate Pharmaceutical India Limited.
The decision to recall this batch comes in response to a market complaint concerning a mix-up involving blister strips.
It was discovered that some boxes of S-Prazo contained a mixture of two different blister strips: S-Prazo Capsules and Donystatin Tablets, all within the same outer carton.
S-Prazo, a proton pump inhibitor, is primarily used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), prevent NSAID-associated gastric ulcers, eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and manage conditions characterised by excessive gastric acid secretion.
On the other hand, Donystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by Candida species.
As a result of this mix-up, the PPB has advised pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and the general public to immediately halt the distribution, sale, and use of this product.
This precautionary measure aims to prevent any potential health risks associated with dispensing incorrect medication.
The PPB’s statement further reassured the public of the board’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding health by ensuring the quality and safety of medications.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any cases of substandard drugs or adverse drug reactions promptly.
This recall announcement comes less than five months after the Kenyan government warned about Benylin Pediatric 100ml Cough Syrup, Batch No. 329304.
This product, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (Pty), South Africa, was recalled by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria due to significant quality concerns.
At the time, NAFDAC’s laboratory analysis revealed an unacceptably high level of diethylene glycol.
This toxic contaminant could cause severe health issues, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to urinate, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, potentially leading to death.
Benylin Pediatric Syrup is a cough suppressant that reduces the urge to cough. This recall was initiated because the batch posed a severe risk, which is why it was deemed necessary to protect public health.
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