KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) has declared seven batches of six commonly used medicines counterfeit after laboratory tests revealed that the samples contained none of the stated active ingredients required for their therapeutic effects.
The affected medicines include antibiotics, painkillers, treatments for abdominal pain and gastric problems, and laxatives. The development has raised serious concerns about counterfeit medicines entering Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
According to Adnan Rizvi, Director of the Drug Testing Laboratory, the affected batches have been declared counterfeit under the Drugs Act, 1976.
Six Medicines Declared Counterfeit
The laboratory identified the following medicines and batches as counterfeit:
|
Medicine |
Batch Number |
|---|---|
|
Velosef 500mg capsules |
LX3E |
|
Augmentin 625mg tablets |
YT9D |
|
No-Spa Forte 80mg tablets |
AN010 |
|
Mucaine suspension |
257A088 |
|
Brexin tablets |
W6BC |
|
Laxoberon liquid |
46292 and 43445 |
Laboratory analysis confirmed that the tested samples lacked the active ingredients necessary to produce their intended therapeutic effects.
The medicines are commonly used for different health conditions. Velosef and Augmentin are antibiotics prescribed for bacterial infections, while No-Spa Forte is used to treat abdominal pain and cramps.
Mucaine is prescribed for acidity and other gastric complaints, whereas Brexin is used to manage pain and inflammation, particularly joint-related conditions.
In the case of Laxoberon, laboratory testing confirmed the absence of sodium picosulfate, the active ingredient responsible for its laxative effect.
Pharmaceutical Companies Disown Counterfeit Batches
Director Adnan Rizvi said the manufacturers associated with all six brands had disowned the identified batches, confirming that the products were not manufactured by their companies.
Martin Dow Marker, the manufacturer of Laxoberon, also informed authorities in writing that the two identified batches were not genuine products produced by the company.
The manufacturers’ responses, combined with laboratory findings, have raised concerns about counterfeit products being sold under the names of established pharmaceutical brands.
Legal Action Recommended Under Drugs Act
The Drug Testing Laboratory has forwarded its findings to the Secretary of the Sindh Quality Control Board and the Provincial Drug Inspector for Karachi South.
The laboratory has recommended legal proceedings against those responsible under the Drugs Act, 1976.
Reports concerning the two counterfeit Laxoberon batches have also been submitted to provincial quality control authorities for further action under relevant legal provisions.
Health Risks of Counterfeit Medicines
Health experts have warned that medicines without their stated active ingredients can pose serious risks because they fail to provide the treatment patients require.
The risks are particularly concerning in the case of antibiotics. Patients suffering from bacterial infections may experience worsening symptoms or delays in receiving effective treatment if they unknowingly consume counterfeit medicines.
Similarly, patients using counterfeit painkillers, gastric medicines or laxatives may not experience the expected relief despite following their prescribed treatment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how many units of the identified batches reached the market, which areas received the products or whether any patients suffered health complications after using them.
Officials have clarified that the laboratory findings apply only to the specific batch numbers identified in the report and do not mean that all products sold under these six brand names are counterfeit.
