Spurious Azomax Batch Identified by Drug Testing Laboratory
The Punjab Directorate of Drugs Control (DDC) has issued a public warning against the use of Azomax 250mg (Azithromycin) capsules from batch H5332, with an expiry date of July 2027. The provincial Drug Testing Laboratory declared the batch spurious after testing, confirming it was counterfeit under the Drugs Act, 1976.
The counterfeit batch was recovered from an unauthorized drug seller. The original manufacturer verified that batch H5332 was not part of its production, further confirming the product's spurious nature. This prompted immediate regulatory action by the DDC.
Regulatory Directives for Pharmacies and Distributors
The DDC has directed all pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers, and distributors to immediately stop dispensing the affected batch. They must isolate any existing stock and report inventory details to drug inspectors. Market authorization holders are also required to review their supply chains and report any suspicious distribution to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
According to a DDC spokesperson, “Consumers are advised to stop using Azomax 250mg batch H5332 immediately and purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and medical stores.” The warning aims to prevent potential health risks associated with counterfeit medication.
Public Advisory and Safety Measures
The DDC emphasizes that spurious drugs can pose serious health risks, including treatment failure or adverse reactions. Consumers should verify the authenticity of medicines by checking batch numbers and purchasing from authorized outlets. The DDC continues to monitor the situation and urges anyone with information about the counterfeit batch to contact local drug inspectors.
