The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued an immediate quarantine directive for Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection Batch No. HHP24017, a medication used in cancer treatment.
In a statement on Thursday, December 5, the PPB disclosed that the move followed complaints regarding the appearance of the drug’s contents.
“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board orders the quarantine of Flurasted 500 (5-Fluorouracil) Injection Batch No. HHP24017, manufactured by Halsted Pharma Private Limited, India. The quarantine order is being issued due to a market complaint on the appearance parameter of the content,” remarked PPB CEO Fred Siyoi.
Siyoi directed all pharmaceutical outlets and healthcare facilities to immediately quarantine the affected batch and halt its distribution or use.
“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,” he stated.
Additionally, the CEO urged Kenyans to report any suspected cases of substandard medicines or adverse drug reactions to their nearest healthcare facility or directly to the PPB.
This order comes weeks after the PPB recalled another drug due to a packaging error. On November 22, the Board 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 recall was issued due to labeling mix-ups where the correct product was identified, but the wrong strength was applied,” the PPB noted in its earlier statement.
The latest directive underscores the Board’s commitment to ensuring public safety by addressing potential risks associated with pharmaceutical products.
