Laboratory Test Triggers Urgent Medicine Alert
The Directorate of Drugs Control Punjab has issued a “Most Urgent Medicine Recall Alert” for a specific batch of Erizine 10mg Tablets.
The medicine contains Cetirizine Dihydrochloride. It is commonly used to control allergy symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, itching and watery eyes.
According to the directorate, the Drug Testing Laboratory Punjab examined samples from the affected batch and declared the medicine substandard.
The Provincial Quality Control Board reviewed the laboratory findings. It then ordered the immediate removal of the affected stock from the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The recall applies only to the batch identified in the official alert. Consumers should check the batch information printed on the medicine packaging or consult a licensed pharmacist.
Pharmacies and Distributors Told to Stop Sales
The medicine’s Marketing Authorization Holder has been directed to begin an immediate nationwide recall.
Pharmacies, medical stores and healthcare facilities must stop dispensing the affected tablets. Wholesalers and distributors have also been instructed to suspend further supplies.
Businesses holding the recalled medicine must separate it from other stock. They must also provide inventory and consumption records to the relevant area drug inspector.
Healthcare facilities have been asked to report their available stock to the drug inspector responsible for their institution.
Authorities want complete traceability of the recalled batch. This process will help officials identify how much stock entered the market and where it was supplied.
Drug control teams across Punjab have been directed to increase inspections throughout the supply chain. Regulatory action may be taken under the Drugs Act, 1976, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012, and related rules.
Officials must submit a detailed compliance report to the Chief Drugs Controller Punjab.
Pakistan’s drug regulator advises pharmacies to quarantine recalled medicines and return them through authorised supply channels rather than selling or dispensing them.
Patients Warned to Stop Using Affected Batch
Consumers have been advised to stop using tablets carrying the recalled batch number immediately.
The alert does not mean that every Erizine 10mg tablet available in the market is affected. Patients should verify the product name, manufacturer and batch number before taking action.
Substandard medicines may have reduced effectiveness or contain impurities beyond acceptable limits. This could expose patients to unexpected reactions or prevent the medicine from properly controlling allergy symptoms.
Anyone who experiences a health problem after using the affected batch should contact a doctor or pharmacist. Patients should not replace or restart allergy medication without professional guidance.
Consumers are also advised to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and carefully check packaging before use.
