Punjab Alerts Citizens to Stop Using Specific Injectable Medicines

The Punjab Directorate of Drug Control has issued an urgent directive for the cessation of the distribution, retail, and utilization of specific batches of an injectable medication due to sterility concerns and non-compliance with manufacturing protocols. The focus is on Injection Pd-Meek 1 mL, which comprises Mecobalamin 500mcg/mL and is identified by registration number 040562.

This product was previously labeled as "Adulterated and Standard" by the Drugs Testing Laboratory in Punjab. An action has been launched to retrieve the impacted lots, including MC26020, MC26021, MC26022, MC26023, and MC26024. During a facility inspection, inspectors discovered that these batches were released into circulation prior to achieving the required sterility testing, contravening Good Manufacturing Practices.

Officials clarified that the sterility, quality, safety, and efficacy of the affected batches cannot be confirmed at present, posing a threat to public health. The Provincial Quality Control Board Punjab has mandated that the medicine halt notice remain active until the investigation concludes and subsequent instructions are given.

Pharmacies, drugstores, wholesalers, distributors, healthcare institutions, and all other possessors of the affected batches are required to promptly halt their sale, acquisition, dispensing, distribution, and use. They are also obligated to quarantine existing stocks, segregate them, and inform the concerned drug inspector or healthcare facility inspector about the inventory.

Drug inspectors and regulatory bodies across Punjab are tasked with enforcing this alert and securing the existing stock in accordance with the Drugs Act 1976, DRAP Act 2012, and relevant regulations.