Pakistan Recalls Contaminated Anarob Antibiotic Drip Over Health Risks

Urgent Action from Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority

Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (Drap) has issued an immediate recall of a specific batch of Anarob Infusion, a commonly used intravenous antibiotic, after it was found to contain dangerously high levels of bacterial toxins. The contaminated batch, labeled H24219, poses serious health risks, especially to hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.

What Is Anarob Infusion and Why It Matters

Anarob Infusion contains metronidazole, a powerful antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections in the stomach, lungs, skin, joints, and other areas when oral medications are ineffective. It’s a critical treatment option in hospitals, making the contamination especially alarming.

Findings from Drap’s Central Drugs Laboratory

According to Drap’s Central Drugs Laboratory, samples from the affected batch were declared “substandard” due to bacterial endotoxins exceeding safe limits. These toxins can trigger severe reactions such as fever, chills, septic shock, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Immediate Recall Measures and Market Surveillance

Drap has directed its field force and Provincial Drug Control departments to conduct thorough market surveys and remove the affected batch from circulation. All pharmacists and chemists at distribution centers and pharmacies have been instructed to quarantine any remaining stock and return it to the supplier.

Increased Vigilance Across Healthcare Supply Chains

Healthcare institutions, pharmacies, and distribution networks are being urged to heighten surveillance and ensure the contaminated product is fully withdrawn. Drap emphasized the importance of reporting any adverse reactions or quality issues to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre using the official Adverse Event Reporting Form.

Advice for Consumers and Healthcare Providers

Consumers are advised to stop using products from the affected batch immediately and consult their healthcare provider if they experience any symptoms linked to the drug. Drap also encouraged reporting any incidents to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre to support ongoing safety efforts.

A Pattern of Pharmaceutical Recalls

This isn’t the first time Drap has taken decisive action. In March of the previous year, the authority recalled a fever syrup prescribed to children. More recently, in January 2024, Drap ordered the withdrawal of nine contaminated syrups, reinforcing its commitment to public health and pharmaceutical safety.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Safety

The recall of Anarob Infusion highlights the critical role of regulatory oversight in ensuring drug safety. Drap’s swift action serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. As Pakistan continues to strengthen its healthcare systems, such measures are vital to protect patients and maintain trust in medical treatments.