The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a public alert following the discovery of illegally smuggled foreign medicines being sold in Karachi.
According to the DRAP alert, smuggled medicines used to treat heart conditions, sleep disorders and epilepsy are being supplied in the city. The medicines reportedly include products manufactured in the United Kingdom and Italy.
The Central Drug Laboratory (CDL) Karachi has declared three samples of foreign medicines illegal, prompting DRAP to issue rapid alerts for all three products.
Three Smuggled Medicines Identified
According to DRAP, the following medicines have been identified:
Flecainide Acetate Tablets: Batch FDAGJ 020 is unregistered. The British-made medicine is used to treat irregular heart rhythms.
Modafinil 200mg Tablets: Batch MDSB25008A has been identified as smuggled. The British-made medicine is used to treat sleep disorders.
Mysoline 250mg Tablets: Batch 4626 is unregistered. The Italian-made medicine is used in the treatment of epilepsy.
DRAP warned that the quality, safety and effectiveness of these illegally imported medicines remain unclear, and their use could pose serious risks to human health.
The authority has directed relevant officials to identify suppliers of the smuggled medicines and seize the identified batches.
Pharmacies and medical stores have also been instructed to stop selling the illegal medicines and return their existing stock.
DRAP has urged citizens and pharmaceutical retailers to remain alert and avoid the sale or use of the identified products.