Maps
Magazine

HEALTH

Drap Orders Recall of Contaminated Anarob Antibiotic Drip
Drap recalls Anarob antibiotic drip (batch H24219) after bacterial toxins found. Patients warned of severe risks including septic shock.
ND
by News Desk
2025-09-09
Drap Orders Recall of Contaminated Anarob Antibiotic Drip

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a batch of Anarob antibiotic infusion after laboratory testing revealed it contained harmful levels of bacterial toxins.

Anarob Infusion, an intravenous antibiotic containing metronidazole, is widely used in hospitals to treat serious bacterial infections when oral medicines are ineffective. It is commonly prescribed for infections in the stomach, skin, lungs, joints, and other areas.

According to a medical product alert issued on Tuesday, Drap’s Central Drugs Laboratory declared the drug “substandard” after samples tested out of specification for bacterial endotoxins.

“Use of this contaminated infusion may cause severe adverse reactions such as fever, chills, septic shock, and life-threatening complications. Hospitalised and immunocompromised patients are at the greatest risk,” Drap warned.

The authority has directed its field force and provincial drug control departments to conduct immediate market surveys to detect and remove the affected batch (H24219). All regulatory bodies in federating units have been instructed to increase market surveillance to ensure effective recall.

Drap has further directed pharmacists and chemists at distribution centres and pharmacies to stop supplying the infusion, quarantine existing stocks, and return them to the supplier. Healthcare facilities, institutions, and pharmacies have been urged to maintain strict vigilance in their supply chains.

The authority also appealed to healthcare professionals and the public to report any adverse reactions or quality issues related to the affected drug to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) using the official Adverse Event Reporting Form or online reporting system.

“Consumers should stop using products bearing the affected batch number and contact their physician or healthcare provider if they experience any related health problems,” Drap emphasized.

This is not the first time Drap has acted against contaminated medicines. In March 2023, the regulator ordered the recall of a children’s fever syrup, while in January 2024, it directed companies to withdraw nine contaminated syrups from the market.

The latest recall once again highlights the need for stronger pharmaceutical quality control and vigilance to ensure patient safety across Pakistan.

 
Tagged:

DRAP

HealthAlert

PakistanHealth

MedicineRecall
Share News: