The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a recall alert for suspected counterfeit anti-rabies vaccines found in the market. The vaccine, labeled “Shore-Rab,” is reportedly manufactured by an Indian company but lacks registration with DRAP. The specific batch of concern is marked as “RO10821.”
DRAP has emphasized that using this unregistered vaccine presents a serious health risk, particularly for individuals who have been bitten by dogs, as the effectiveness of the counterfeit vaccine is unknown. The agency’s alert has been communicated to its field force, provincial drug authorities, healthcare professionals, and pharmacies to ensure widespread awareness.
There are growing concerns that the presence of this fake vaccine could lead to an increase in rabies cases, a serious and often fatal viral disease.
In light of this potential threat, DRAP has called for a thorough investigation into the vaccine’s supply chain and has urged pharmacies and distributors to conduct immediate checks of their inventories.
Medical professionals have been strongly advised against administering the suspected “Shore-Rab” vaccine to patients who have suffered dog bite injuries.
Pharmacies and distributors are required to report any stock of the counterfeit vaccine to DRAP promptly to aid in the agency’s response efforts.
The situation underscores the importance of using only registered and approved vaccines, as unregulated products can jeopardize public health.
DRAP is committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products in Pakistan and is taking swift action to address this issue.
