Punjab orders immediate recall of substandard medicines: DDCA issues public notice

Punjab government issues urgent recall of substandard medicines: DDCA's public safety alert

LAHORE: The Directorate of Drugs Control Authority (DDCA) Punjab has officially ordered the immediate suspension of sale and recall of specific batches of eight different medicines found to be substandard and unsafe for public use. The public notice issued today outlines the affected batches and urges all involved parties—dealers, wholesalers, and retailers—to return these products promptly.

This recall action comes after the medicines failed critical potency tests and were found to be non-compliant, adulterated, or misbranded, violating prevailing drug safety regulations in Punjab.

Details of the affected medicines

According to the official DDCA alert, the following medicines are subject to the recall:

• Ophthalmic Solution (Omni Lens) – Batch No. OMV79017, Expiry: 04/2026
• Film Coated Tablet Cefixime – Batch No. CT60, Expiry: 01/2026
• Film Coated Tablet Cefuroxime – Batch No. CT42, Expiry: 03/2026
• Injection Nocifem (Pregnancy Test) – Batch No. 5/2025
• Nicotinell Patch (Smoking Aid) – Batch No. NP788, Expiry: 07/2025
• Ear Care Tablet – Batch No. ER004, Expiry: 06/2026

The affected batches were found to be substandard, and consumption of these medicines could lead to serious health risks such as adverse reactions, ineffective treatment, and worsened health conditions.

Health risks, warning

Health experts have long highlighted the dangers of consuming substandard or unregulated medicines. Poor-quality pharmaceutical products can result in serious complications, including infection, toxic reactions, and long-term damage to vital organs.

The DDCA has warned the public to stop using these medicines immediately. Consumers are urged to check their medicine stock and return any affected batches to prevent health complications.

Pharmacy, retailer instructions

Pharmacies, wholesalers, and distributors in possession of the affected batches are instructed to halt sales immediately. DDCA inspectors will be monitoring compliance, and any non-compliance may result in legal action. Dealers must submit detailed stock records to DDCA drug inspectors without delay to ensure swift resolution of the issue.

Looking ahead: Ensuring safer medicines for all

The DDCA’s recall order serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of medicine safety and the need for regulation within the pharmaceutical industry. With ongoing oversight and action, the DDCA continues to work toward ensuring that only safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are available to the public.

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