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Year: 2023

DRAP Participating in International Med Safety Week 2023 Social Media Campaign

Asad Ullah Pharmacovigilance, Press Releases

From 6 to 12 November, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will take part in the global #MedSafetyWeek campaign, a collaboration involving more than 80 medicines regulatory agencies and several non-governmental organizations, to raise awareness about the importance of reporting side effects of medicines. With the theme ‘Who can report?’, this year’s campaign will focus on the key role of every patient, doctor, nurse, and pharmacist who reports a side effect and contributes to using medicines safely.

DRAP seek your support to enhance reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure medicines on the market are acceptably safe.

Reports about side effects can be submitted easily through Med Safety App, DRAP med Vigilance e-reporting system or yellow reporting form.

For detail on how to report visit the link.

#MedSafetyWeek2023

Play your part in medicines safety. Whether you’re a patient, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, you can help make medicines safer by reporting side effects to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP.

Through the #MedSafetyWeek campaign more than 80 countries will work together to improve the safety of medicines globally

All medicines agencies operate systems to detect and analyse side effects of medicines. The purpose of safety monitoring is to gain more information about known side effects and find out about new ones. Constantly collecting and monitoring information from the reports received helps identify risks associated with medicines and take action to minimise harm.

#MedSafetyWeek is an international campaign of Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC).

The campaign is supported by WHO and by members of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA)

DRAP emphasizes the importance of reporting side effects through Med Safety App, DRAP med Vigilance e-reporting system or yellow reporting form. All reports made to National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) DRAP will be thoroughly assessed and examined to determine the right steps to be taken to protect the population from harm. Since 2018, NPC DRAP has received and processed over 30,000 reports in which patients, carers, and healthcare professionals have played a key role

“Every report is important in building more knowledge and understanding of the benefits and risks of medicines in clinical use and allows action to be taken to minimise risks.

“Reporting suspected side effects to the NPC DRAP helps to make medicines safer for patients all around the world. In some cases, it can result in better prescribing advice, which can improve patient outcomes.

“If you, or a patient you are supporting, experience a side effect with a medicine, make sure to report it to us promptly.”

Dr.Obaidullah,

National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP, Pakistan

DRAP invites Comments on Draft Guideline for Storage and Destruction of Substandard-Falsified (SF )and recalled Therapeutic Goods

Asad Ullah Drugs, General, Licensing and Inspections

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has drafted a guideline on the storage and destruction of recalled therapeutic goods, which are medicines, medical devices, and health products that do not meet the quality standards or are deliberately misrepresented. The guideline aims to provide a framework for the safe and effective management of such goods, from their identification and reporting to their disposal and documentation.

The draft guideline covers the following aspects:

  • The roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, health care providers, and regulators, in handling substandard and falsified as well as recalled therapeutic goods.
  • The criteria for selecting suitable storage facilities and methods for defective therapeutic goods.
  • The methods for destroying in an environmentally sound manner.
  • The records and reports that need to be maintained and submitted.

The draft guideline is available on the DRAP website on 27th October, 2023 for public consultation. DRAP invites comments and feedback from all stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, health professionals, civil society organizations, and the general public. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using prescribed format. For further guidelines on how to submit comments visit DRAP website or click here. Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to ajmal.sohail∂dra.gov.pk, copying at sanaullah.babar∂dra.gov.pk, or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Quality Assurance & Lab Testing, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.

DRAP appreciates the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic goods in Pakistan.

Guidelines-for-storage-and-destruction-of-recalled-therapeutic-goods-_-V1Download

Decisions of 61st Meeting of Medical Device Board (Deficiency letter for Medical Devices Applications)

Asad Ullah Medical Devices Board

The Medical Device Board (MDB) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan in its 61st meeting has deferred the following applications of registration of medical devices due to various deficiencies/shortcomings in the applications dossiers. These applicants are requested to furnish the requisite information/documentation as directed by the Medical Device Board. The detail is provided in the below attachment.

Deferred-Letters-M-61-Download

Recall Alert: Drug Product; Kemodryl Cough Syrup (Batch # K-1068) by Alkemy Pharmaceutical (Pvt) Ltd., Hyderabad

Asad Ullah Recall Alerts

Recall Alert

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DRAP Alert NoNo II/S/09-23-38
Action Date16th Oct, 2023
Target Audience·  Pharmacists and Chemists at Distribution, Pharmacies and Medical Stores
·  Healthcare Professionals- Physicians, Pharmacists, and Nurses at hospital and clinics etc.
· General Public
Problem / Issue Federal Government Analyst, CDL Karachi has declared the Batch No. L083 of product “Kemodryl Cough Syrup” as of substandard quality.

Therapeutic Good(s) Affected: –

Product NamesCompositionBatch No Manufacturer
Kemodryl Cough Syrup
 
Reg.No 007069

Chlorpheniramine
Maleate 4mg:
Ammonium
Chloride 125mg :
Sodium Citrate 55mg		Batch No K-1068
 
Mfg. Date: Aug 2023
Exp. Date: July 2025		Ms. Alkemy
Pharmaceutical
Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd.,
Hyderabad.
Risk Statement:Kemodryl Cough Syrup is a combination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Ammonium Chloride + Sodium Citrate which relieves cough. Chlorpheniramine is an anti-allergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Ammonium chloride can be used as an expectorant due to its irritative action on the bronchial mucosa. Sodium citrate is a mucolytic.
 
Inaccurate use of the product may lead to common side effects like Stomach pain/epigastric pain, Allergic reaction, sleepiness, thickened respiratory tract secretions and impaired coordination.
 
The impact of the use of substandard products on the basis of a higher limit of assay tests may cause adverse reactions on therapeutic doses.
Action Initiated-The manufacturer has been directed to immediately recall the defective batch of product from the market. All pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and pharmacies should immediately check their stocks and stop supplying this batch of product. The remaining stock should be quarantined and returned to the supplier/ company. The regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP and Provincial Health Departments) has increase surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective products(s).

-Distributors and pharmacies are advised to be vigilant and report any suspected batch of the product(s) in the supply chain to the DRAP using the online form, or through phone at +92 51 910 73 17, or by Email at gsms∂dra.gov.pk.

-Regulatory field force of all federating units (DRAP, Provincial Health Departments, and States) has also increased the surveillance in the market to ensure the effective recall of defective product(s).
Advice for Healthcare ProfessionalsDRAP requests to enhance vigilance within the supply chains of institutions/pharmacies/healthcare facilities likely to be affected by this defective batch of the product.  

-Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with this product may be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre(NPC), DRAP using the Adverse Event Reporting Form or online through this link.

-Please click here for further information on problem reporting to DRAP.
Advice for Consumers-Consumers should stop using this product bearing the affected batch number(s). They shall contact their physician or healthcare provider(s) if they have experienced any problem that may be related to using this product.

-All therapeutic products must be obtained from authorized licensed pharmacies /outlets. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked. If you have any doubts, please seek advice from your pharmacist.

    Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Serious Renal and Gastrointestinal Harms with Codeine plus Ibuprofen Drug Combination.

    Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

    Drug Safety Alert

    Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

    Date:20 October, 2023
    Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of drug combinations containing codeine with ibuprofen;
    ·         Healthcare professionals; and
    ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
    Background:The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in September 2022 recommended a change to the product information for codeine with ibuprofen combination medicines to include a warning of serious harms, including death, particularly when taken for prolonged periods at higher than recommended doses.
    The PRAC reviewed several cases of renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicities that have been reported in association with cases of abuse of and dependence on codeine with ibuprofen combinations, some of which have been fatal. The PRAC found that, when taken at higher than recommended doses or for a prolonged period of time, codeine with ibuprofen can cause damage to the kidneys, preventing them from removing acids properly from the blood into the urine (renal tubular acidosis). Kidney malfunction can also cause hypokalaemia, which in turn may cause symptoms such as muscle weakness and light-headedness. Therefore, renal tubular acidosis and hypokalaemia will be added to the product information as new adverse effects. The PRAC noted that medicines containing a combination of codeine and ibuprofen are authorized at the national level and in some countries these medicines are available without medical prescription. The PRAC considered that prescription-only medicine status would be the most effective risk minimization measure to mitigate the harm associated with abuse and dependence of these products.
    Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Codeine with ibuprofen is a combination of opioid (codeine) and anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen), which is used to treat pain. Repeated use of codeine with ibuprofen may lead to dependence and abuse due to the codeine component.
    Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 3rd meeting of PRAEC, held on the 8th of September, 2023, which decided as per Rule 10(1)(h)(iv) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 that registration holders of Codeine with Ibuprofen combination should include information about serious harms (renal, gastrointestinal and metabolic toxicities) including death, particularly when taken for prolonged periods at higher than recommended doses in the warning and precaution section, and to add renal tubular acidosis and hypokalemia as adverse drug reactions in the prescribing information/ label of codeine with ibuprofen combination.
     
    Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals are informed that severe hypokalemia and renal tubular acidosis have been reported due to prolonged use of ibuprofen at higher-than-recommended doses. This risk is
     
    increased with the use of codeine/ibuprofen as patients may become dependent on the codeine component. Presenting signs and symptoms included a reduced level of consciousness and generalized weakness. Ibuprofen-induced renal tubular acidosis should be considered in patients with unexplained hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis.
    Advice for patients:Medicine containing codeine with ibuprofen should be used for the duration as recommended by doctors as it may lead to dependence, abuse and addiction, which may result in a life-threatening overdose. If you are taking for longer than the recommended time or at higher than recommended doses you are at risk of serious harm. These include serious harm to the stomach/gut and kidneys, as well as very low levels of potassium in your blood. These can be fatal.
    If you experience any of the following signs whilst taking these medicines talk to your doctor or
    pharmacist as it could be an indication that you are dependent or addicted.
    •      You need to take this medicine for longer than advised
    •      You need to take more than the recommended dose
    •      You are using this medicine for reasons other than medical reasons, for instance, ‘to stay calm’ or to ‘help you sleep’
    •      You have made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to quit or control the use of this medicine
    •      When you stop taking this medicine you feel unwell, and you feel better once you take this medicine again (‘withdrawal effects’)
    Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
    Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
    References:·         Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
    ·         EMA-Europe: Meeting highlights from the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) 26-29 September 2022.
    ·    EMA-Europe: New product information wording – Extracts from PRAC recommendations on signals
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    Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Respiratory Failure and Sepsis with Terlipressin.

    Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

    Drug Safety Alert

    Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

    Date:20 October, 2023
    Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of terlipressin products
    ·         Healthcare professionals; and
    ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
    Background:The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom (UK) in March 2023 announced that the Pharmacovigilance Expert Advisory Group of the UK’s Commission on Human Medicines agreed with the recommendations made as a result of EMA’s review which was triggered by the CONFIRM trial findings that new measures were required to reduce the risk of respiratory failure and sepsis when terlipressin is used in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome. The clinical trial found that in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome, terlipressin may cause serious or fatal respiratory failure at a frequency higher than previously known and that terlipressin increases the risk of sepsis and septic shock.
     
    Previously, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in September 2022 recommended new measures to reduce the risk of respiratory failure and sepsis when using terlipressin in people with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-1), which is a serious kidney problem in people with advanced liver disease. The recommendations follow the PRAC’s review of available data, including results from the CONFIRM clinical trial that included patients with HRS-1. Results of the trial suggested that patients who were treated with terlipressin were more likely to experience and die from respiratory disorders within 90 days after the first dose than those who were given a placebo. Although respiratory failure is a known adverse effect of terlipressin, the frequency of respiratory failure seen in the study was higher (11%) than previously reported in the product information. In addition, the study reported sepsis in 7% of patients in the terlipressin arm compared with none in the placebo group. The new measures include adding a warning to avoid terlipressin in patients with advanced acute-on-  
     
    chronic liver disease or advanced kidney failure, to the product information along with necessary recommendations to the patient. The PRAC recommendations were sent to the Coordination Group for Mutual Recognition and Decentralised Procedures – Human (CMDh) which endorsed them and adopted its position on 10 November 2022. Furthermore, the label of Terlipressin  (TERLIVAZ)- US-FDA also contains a Boxed Warning about respiratory failure.
    Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Terlipressin is a synthetic pituitary hormone indicated for the treatment of bleeding from dilated veins in the food pipe leading to the stomach (bleeding oesophageal varices) and for emergency treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (rapidly progressive renal failure in patients with liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)). The advice is not relevant to the use of terlipressin for bleeding oesophageal varices.
    Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 3rd meeting of PRAEC, held on the 8th of September, 2023, which
    decided as per Rule 10 (1) (h) (iv) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 registration holders should include information about strict monitoring of respiratory failure and sepsis when using terlipressin in people with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-1) in the warning and precaution section. Adding a warning to avoid terlipressin in patients with advanced acute-on-chronic liver disease or advanced kidney failure and information that patients with breathing problems should receive treatment to manage their condition before starting terlipressin-containing medicines in the prescribing information/ label of terlipressin when used in people with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-1). Furthermore, registration holders were also advised to create a boxed warning regarding this risk.
    Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals were advised to consider the individual benefits and risks for patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome when initiating terlipressin treatment, especially for those with severe renal or hepatic impairment and monitor all patients closely during terlipressin treatment. The advice is not relevant to the use of terlipressin for bleeding oesophageal varices. Patients with breathing problems should receive treatment to manage their condition before starting terlipressin. During and after treatment, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of respiratory failure and infection. In addition, healthcare professionals can consider giving terlipressin-containing medicines as a continuous infusion (drip) into the vein as an alternative to giving it by bolus injection (full dose injected in one go) as this may reduce the risk of severe side effects.
    Advice for patients:Patients are informed that a higher than previously known risk of respiratory failure (severe breathing difficulty that may be life-threatening) has been reported when using terlipressin-containing medicines for the treatment of type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS-1) (kidney problems in people with advanced liver disease). In addition, a new risk of sepsis (when bacteria and their toxins circulate in the blood leading to organ damage) has also been identified when terlipressin is used for treating this disease. Patients who have any questions or concerns should speak to their healthcare professionals.
    Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
    Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
    References:·         Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
    ·         MHRA-UK: Terlipressin: new recommendations to reduce risks of respiratory failure and septic shock in patients with type 1 hepatorenal syndrome.
    ·         EMA-Europe: New recommendations for terlipressin-containing medicines in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome
    EMA-Europe: Terlipressin-containing medicinal products indicated in the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome
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      Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Tendon Disorders with Third-Generation Aromatase inhibitors

      Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

      Drug Safety Alert

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      Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

      Date:20 October, 2023
      Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole);
      ·         Healthcare professionals; and
      ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
      Background:Health Canada in January, 2023 announced that the product safety information for third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole) will be updated to include the risk of tendon disorders. The review was triggered by an update including the risks of tendonitis and tendon rupture by the EMA to letrozole product safety information. It was informed that Health Canada is working with the manufacturers of third-generation aromatase inhibitors to update the Candian Product Monographs to include these risks. Tendon disorders include tendon inflammation (tendonitis), inflammation of the tendon sheath (tenosynovitis) and tendon tears (tendon rupture).

      Health Canada reviewed reports of events of tendonitis and tenosynovitis and their potential relation to tendon rupture in five randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The agency also reviewed 25 case reports (2 domestic and 23 international) of tendon rupture (10 cases) and tendonitis (15 cases), where a link between the risk of tendon rupture and tendonitis with the use of a third-generation aromatase inhibitor could not be ruled out. However, these case reports included other medications and/or conditions that could have contributed to the reported adverse events. The review concluded that there is likely a link between the use of third-generation aromatase inhibitors and the risks of tendonitis and tenosynovitis. Also, a link with tendon rupture could not be ruled out.
      Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole) are prescription drugs authorized for the treatment of breast cancer in women who have reached menopause (post-menopausal breast cancer).
      Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 3rd meeting of PRAEC, held on the 8th of September, 2023, which decided as per Rule 10 (1) (h) (iv) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 that registration holders of third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole) should update their prescribing information by including information about tendon disorders (tendonitis, tendon rupture and tenosynovitis etc.) in the warning and precaution section and list these in adverse drugs reaction section.
      Advice for healthcare professionals:The use of third-generation aromatase inhibitors was found to be associated with tendonitis and tenosynovitis as reported in randomized controlled trials. Tendon rupture was found to be a potential risk. Tendonitis and tenosynovitis were estimated to be of uncommon occurrence, and tendon rupture was of rare occurrence. Treating physicians should monitor patients for these adverse drug reactions.
      Advice for patients:Patients are advised to promptly notify their healthcare professional if they experience symptoms such as pain, swelling and difficulty moving their joints while they are on treatment with third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane and letrozole).
      Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
      Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
      References:·Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
      ·Health Canada: Summary Safety Review – Third Generation Aromatase Inhibitors (anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole) – ·Assessing the Potential Risk of Tendon Disorders.

        Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Seizures with Cephalosporins

        Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

        Drug Safety Alert

        Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

        Date:20 October, 2023
        Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of Fluorouracil and Capecitabine;
        ·         Healthcare professionals; and
        ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
        Background:Health Canada in January, 2023 announced that the product safety information for cephalosporins will be updated to include the risk of seizures in all the cephalosporins. As the risk of seizures was already included for some cephalosporins, this update was applied to cephalosporins that did not include the risk. The review was triggered by a US Food and Drug Administration update to the product safety information for cefazolin to include the risk of seizures. Accordingly, Health Canada reviewed the available information from searches of the Canada Vigilance database, international databases, as well as medical and scientific literature. Health Canada reviewed 84 cases (7 domestic and 77 international) of seizures in patients taking cephalosporins. Of the 84 cases, 13 cases (all international) were found to be probably linked to the use of cephalosporins, and 62 cases (4 domestic and 58 international) were found to be possibly linked. Three cases (all international) were unlikely to be linked to the use of cephalosporins. Six cases (3 domestic and 3 international) could not be assessed. The review concluded that there may be a link between the use of cephalosporins and the risk of seizures and therefore the agency informed that it would work with manufacturers to update the Canadian Product Monographs for the cephalosporins that did not already include the risk.
        The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) in its publication dated 2nd March, 2023 informed that the risk of neurotoxicity with cephalosporins was discussed at the December 2022 Medicines Adverse Reaction Committee (MARC) meeting wherein the committee recommended that all cephalosporin data sheets should include consistent messaging on the risk of neurotoxicity. Cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity may present in a range of conditions which are mainly characterized by encephalopathy, myoclonus and/or seizures. Seizures associated with cephalosporins may present as either convulsive or non-convulsive. Symptoms of neurotoxicity have been reported to develop within several days after starting treatment and to resolve following discontinuation. In patients with renal impairment, accumulation can occur, especially when doses are not adjusted appropriately, potentially leading to toxic effects. Additional risk factors for cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity include older age groups, underlying central nervous system (CNS) disorders and high doses of cephalosporins administered by intravenous injection.
        Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Cephalosporins are a group of prescription antibiotic medicines (cephalexin, cefazolin, cefadroxil, cefuroxime, cefprozil, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefixime and cefepime) and are indicated for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections including urinary and respiratory tract infections.
        Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 3rd meeting of PRAEC, held on the 8th of September, 2023, which decided as per Rule 10(1)(h)(iv) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 that the registration holders of all cephalosporins should include information on the risk of seizures/ neurotoxicity in the warning and precaution section and also list in adverse drug reaction section in the prescribing information/label of all cephalosporins.
        Advice for healthcare professionals:Seizures may occur with the administration of Cefazolin for Injection, particularly in patients with renal impairment when the dosage is not reduced appropriately. Additional risk factors for cephalosporin-induced neurotoxicity include older age groups, underlying central nervous system (CNS) disorders and high doses of cephalosporins administered by intravenous injection. Discontinue the cephalosporin antibiotic if seizures occur or make the appropriate dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known Seizure disorders.
        Advice for patients:Patients are advised to take their antibiotic for the recommended duration and indication and promptly notify their healthcare professional about any signs of seizures/ neurotoxicity they experience.
        Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
        Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
        References:·         Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
        ·         Health Canada: Summary Safety Review – Cephalosporins – Assessing the Potential Risk of Seizures.
        ·   Medsafe-New Zealand: Risk Of Neurotoxicity With Cephalosporins.
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        Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Kidney Damage with Oral Anticoagulants

        Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

        Drug Safety Alert

        Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

        Date:20 October, 2023
        Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of Fluorouracil and Capecitabine;
        ·         Healthcare professionals; and
        ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
        Background:The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia in June 2023 announced that a warning about serious kidney damage has been added to the prescribing information for all oral anticoagulants given through the oral route. Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) is a rare but serious adverse event resulting from profuse glomerular bleeding and has the potential to cause irreversible kidney damage and death.  The TGA investigated the safety signal based on reports of ARN in patients taking oral anticoagulants, mainly from overseas and sought a piece of advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines (ACM). The committee noted that this adverse event is now well documented in the medical literature with warfarin and there is growing evidence for other oral anticoagulants. The ACM supported a class-wide warning being added to the Product Information for all oral anticoagulants. The ACM does not consider a warning for parenteral anticoagulants to be needed at this stage. This is because they are mainly used in hospitals and for a shorter duration.
        Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Oral anticoagulants are widely used to prevent and treat thromboembolic conditions and include apixaban, rivaroxaban and warfarin etc. Anticoagulants, sometimes called blood thinners, reduce the blood’s natural ability to clot. This alert does not apply to parenteral anticoagulants.
        Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 3rd meeting of PRAEC, held on the 8th of September, 2023, which decided as per Rule 10(1)(h)(iv) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 that registration holders should include information about Anticoagulant-related nephropathy (ARN) and its monitoring and evaluation in the warning and precaution section and to list ARN as an adverse drug reaction of unknown frequency in the prescribing information/label for oral anticoagulants.
        Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals are informed that early detection and intervention of ARN is critical to reducing permanent kidney damage and death. Although anticoagulant-related nephropathy is rare, it is likely underdiagnosed as kidney biopsy is required for a definitive diagnosis but is rarely performed in people taking anticoagulants, and patients who develop ARN have comorbidities that may explain their acute kidney injury presentation. Therefore, healthcare professionals are advised that while treating patients who are taking oral anticoagulants, talk to them about the risk of anticoagulant-related nephropathy. Close monitoring, including renal testing, is recommended for those with excessive anticoagulation (or supratherapeutic INR for those on warfarin) and hematuria.
        Advice for patients:If you are taking an oral anticoagulant and have any questions or concerns about your treatment, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking these medicines without discussing it with your doctor first. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms: high blood pressure; decreased amount of urine; blood in urine; and swelling in legs, ankles, and around the eyes, which may indicate your kidneys aren’t working properly.
        Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
        Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
        References:·         Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
        ·         TGA: Oral Anticoagulants Can Cause Serious Kidney Damage in Rare circumstances.
        · TGA:  Risk Of Kidney Damage with Oral Anticoagulants.
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        Drug Safety Alert:Risk of Potentially Life-threatening Toxicity with Fluorouracil and Capecitabine in Di-hydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPD) Deficient Patients.

        Asad Ullah Safety Alerts

        Drug Safety Alert

        Update from Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of Pakistan

        Date:26 October, 2023
        Target Audience:·         Manufacturers and importers of Fluorouracil and Capecitabine;
        ·         Healthcare professionals; and
        ·         Patients, consumers or caregivers.
        Background:The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia in Sep-2022 and the Medicine and Health Product Agency (MHRA) in October, 2020 issued updates regarding the use of fluorouracil, capecitabine and flucytosine. These updates included a new warning about the potential for severe and life-threatening toxicity in patients with a partial di-hydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. Previously, these medications were contraindicated for patients with known complete DPD deficiency. Reports of adverse events suggested a link between DPD deficiency and toxicities, although DPD deficiency testing was often not performed in affected patients. Healthcare professionals were advised to consider DPD deficiency testing before initiating therapy and to reduce the starting dose if partial DPD deficiency is detected. Similar recommendations were made by the MHRA, referencing a European safety review, which emphasized the importance of DPD deficiency testing prior to treatment initiation. Testing is not required for topical fluorouracil formulations due to minimal systemic absorption. The PRAC of the EMA in March 2020 also recommended pre-treatment testing for DPD deficiency before administering fluorouracil via injection or infusion. Lack of DPD enzyme can lead to the accumulation of fluorouracil in the blood, resulting in severe and life-threatening adverse reactions. Patients with complete DPD deficiency should not be given these medications, and a reduced starting dose is recommended for patients with partial DPD deficiency.
        Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Fluorouracil and Capecitabine

        Fluorouracil is indicated alone or in combination with other medicines to treat various cancers such as malignant tumours, particularly of the breast, colon or rectum. Also, it is applied to the skin for actinic keratosis and dermal warts. The recommendations are related to system fluorouracil not topical.

        Capecitabine is indicated for the treatment of certain types of colon, colorectal, oesophagogastric and breast cancer.
        Action in PakistanThe case was discussed in the 2nd meeting of PRAEC-DRAP wherein it was decided to Co-opt experts in Oncology as per Rule 9 (5) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 to assess the case of testing of DPD deficiency in patients before initiation of treatment with Fluorouracil and Capecitabine and submit their reports in the next meeting of PRAEC. Two expert members of oncology were selected from the leading hospitals in Pakistan.
         
        Accordingly, the PRAEC in its 3rd meeting held on the 8th of September, 2023 decided as per Rule 10(1)(h)(ii) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 and in light of comments of co-opted experts to update contraindications in patients with known complete absence of di-hydro pyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity. Likewise, the PRAEC as per Rule 10(1)(h)(iv) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 decided to update the warning and precaution section of prescribing information by including information about the importance of testing for DPD deficiency before initiation of the treatment with Fluorouracil and Capecitabine. Include information about the reduced starting dose in partial DPD deficiency, followed by enhanced monitoring for toxicities.
        Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals are informed that patients with complete or partial DPD deficiency are at increased risk of severe and fatal toxicity during treatment with medicines containing 5-fluorouracil (intravenous) and capecitabin. Therefore, healthcare professionals are advised not to treat patients with known complete DPD deficiency with these medicines. Likewise, in patients with partial DPD deficiency, a reduced starting dose should be considered.  All patients need to be monitored for toxicity particularly during the first cycle of treatment or after a dose increase.
        Advice for patients:Patients should inform healthcare professionals if he/she or their family members have a history of complete or partial DPD deficiency. Patients should also promptly notify healthcare professionals about fluoropyrimidines-related toxicity, including for example stomatitis, diarrhoea, mucosal inflammation, neutropenia, and neurotoxicity.
        Guidelines for reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):Both healthcare professionals and patients are requested to report any suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) to National Pharmacovigilance Centre, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan through Med Vigilance E-Reporting system available on DRAP website.
        Similarly, ADRs can also be reported through MedSafety App that is available for download from App store (for iOS devices) and Google Play (for Android devices).
        References:·         Minutes of 3rd meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
        ·         Fluorouracil and capecitabine – DPD deficiency of TGA website.
        ·         5-Fluorouracil (intravenous), capecitabine, tegafur: MHR-UK recommended DPD testing before initiation to identify patients at increased risk of severe and fatal toxicity.
        ·         PRAC-EMA recommendation.
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