The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued alerts over counterfeit influenza vaccines being supplied in the country under the names of two multinational brands, Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra.
Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi Winthrop, the companies whose names appear on the packaging, have confirmed that the vaccines are fake.
Batches Identified
According to DRAP, Vaxigrip Tetra batch Y4B34 is counterfeit and was never officially imported into Pakistan. Its packaging lists Sanofi Winthrop, France, as the manufacturer. Sanofi’s local distributor was the first to alert authorities.
Fake Influvac Tetra vaccines from batch P13 have also been found in Lahore. Their packaging lists Abbott Biologicals, Netherlands.
DRAP has issued separate rapid alerts for Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra.
Serious Safety Concerns
The regulator warned that the quality, efficacy, and safety of these vaccines are unknown and that their use may pose serious safety and quality risks to public health. It urged doctors not to prescribe them.
Doctors, distributors, and pharmacies have been told to report any suspected fake vaccines to DRAP immediately. Citizens have been asked to report any side effects to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC).
Provinces Told to Seize Stock
DRAP has also directed provincial authorities to take emergency measures to stop the supply chain, trace the source of the counterfeit vaccines, and confiscate the affected batches.
The alert comes days after reports that Pakistan is facing a shortage of flu vaccines. Last month, DRAP also warned against life-threatening fake medicines.
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