ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued alerts over counterfeit influenza vaccines reportedly distributed across the country, ARY News reported.
The fake vaccines carry the names of multinational pharmaceutical brands, including Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra. Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi Winthrop have confirmed that the affected products are counterfeit.
DRAP has issued separate product alerts warning healthcare professionals and the public about the fake vaccines.
The packaging of Influvac Tetra identifies Abbott Biologicals in the Netherlands, while Vaxigrip Tetra lists Sanofi Winthrop in France.
According to DRAP, Sanofi’s local distributor in Pakistan alerted the authorities to the counterfeit products.
The regulator specifically identified Vaxigrip Tetra batch Y4B34 as counterfeit, confirming that the batch was never officially imported into Pakistan.
Fake Flu Vaccines Reported in Lahore
Counterfeit influenza vaccines have also been reported in Lahore. DRAP confirmed that Influvac Tetra batch P13 is fake.
In its official alert, the regulator urged doctors not to prescribe or administer the counterfeit vaccines. It warned that their quality, safety and effectiveness are unknown, and their use could have potentially fatal consequences.
DRAP also asked citizens to report any suspected adverse reactions to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC).
Doctors, distributors and pharmacies have been instructed to immediately notify DRAP about any suspected counterfeit influenza vaccines.
Authorities Directed to Stop Supply
DRAP has directed provincial authorities to take emergency measures to stop the distribution of the counterfeit products.
The instructions include investigating the sources of the fake vaccines and immediately confiscating the affected batches to prevent further circulation.
The regulator’s alert highlights the potential health risks associated with counterfeit vaccines and the need for healthcare providers, pharmacies and the public to verify products before use.
