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Drug Safety Alert: Risk of Kidney Injury and Death due to Hydroxyethyl-Starch Solutions for Infusion.

Asad Ullah Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Updates, Safety Alerts

Drug Safety Alert

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

Date:29th of November, 2022
Target Audience:• Manufacturers and importers of hydroxyethyl-starch solutions for infusion.
• Healthcare Professionals; and
• Patients, consumers or caregivers.
Background:The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicine Agency (EMA) on 11th February, 2022 recommended that the market authorization of hydroxyethyl-starch (HES) solutions for infusion should be suspended across the European Union. These solutions for infusion products are indicated as an addition to other treatments for plasma volume replacement following acute (sudden) blood loss.
The safety of these solutions for infusion was reviewed in 2013, and a number of restrictions and measures to minimise the risk of kidney injury and death in certain patients (those critically ill, with burn injuries or with sepsis, a bacterial infection in the blood) were put in place at that time.

Likewise, as a result of a third review conducted in 2018, the use of HES solutions for infusion was further restricted to only accredited hospitals, and healthcare professionals prescribing or administering the medicines had to be trained in their appropriate use. In addition, further warnings were introduced to remind healthcare professionals that these medicines must not be used in patients with sepsis or kidney impairment or in other vulnerable patients such as the critically ill in order to ensure these solutions for infusion were not used in patients who were at increased risk of harm. Market authorization holders of HES solutions for infusion were also requested to conduct a drug utilization study to check that the restrictions were adhered to in clinical practice.

The PRAC of the EMA accordingly reviewed the results of the study, which show that HES solutions for infusion are still being used outside the recommendations included in the product information and concluded that the further restrictions introduced in 2018 have not sufficiently ensured that the medicines are used safely and that HES solutions were continually used in certain groups of patients in whom serious harm has been demonstrated. In view of the serious risks that certain patient populations were still exposed to, the PRAC recommended the suspension of the marketing authorizations for HES solutions for infusion in the European Union. Accordingly, the European Commission on 24th May, 2022 issued a legal decision confirming the suspension of the market authorization of HES solution for infusion.
Therapeutic Good(s) Affected:Name: Hydroxyethyl-Starch solutions for infusion.

These solutions for infusion products are indicated as an addition to other treatments for plasma volume replacement following acute (sudden) blood loss.
Action in PakistanAccordingly, the case of the risk of kidney injury and death due to hydroxyethyl-starch solutions for infusion was discussed in the 1st meeting of the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC) of the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC), Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The PRAEC-DRAP after detailed deliberation and discussion and as per Rule 10 (1) (h) (v) of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 (reliance mechanism) decided to recommend to the Registration Board of the DRAP to suspend the registration of Hydroxyethyl-Starch (HES) solutions in Pakistan subject to the availability of alternative treatment options.
Advice for healthcare professionals:Healthcare professionals are informed that the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP is working with the Registration Board and manufacturers/importers of hydroxyethyl-starch solutions for infusion to suspend the registration of these solutions in Pakistan. Therefore, healthcare professionals are reminded that there are alternative solutions for infusion available in the Pakistani market for the treatment of plasma volume replacement following acute (sudden) blood loss and the same must be considered as the treatment in these conditions.
Advice for patients:Patients are informed that the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP is working with the Registration Board and manufacturers/importers of hydroxyethyl-starch solutions for infusion to suspend the registration of these solutions in Pakistan. Therefore, talk with your doctor before initiation of treatment with those solutions as alternative treatment options are available in the market.
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 1st meeting of Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee.
European Medicine Agency update regarding hydroxyethyl-starch solutions for infusion recommended for suspension from the market.
    29_Safety_Alert_of_Risk_of_Kidney_Injury_and_Death_due_Hydroxyethyl-Starch_Solutions_for_Infusion.Download

    Medicine Safety Week 2022; DRAP’s Call to Healthcare Professionals and Patients to Report Suspected Adverse Reactions of drugs and vaccines.

    Asad Ullah News & Updates, Pharmacovigilance, Press Releases

    The seventh annual Social Media Campaign #MedSafetyWeek was launched on the 7th of November, 2022 by the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP, which was observed until 13th November 2022, to encourage everyone to report suspected side effects of medicines. The International campaign was led by the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring.

    This year’s global campaign involved medicines regulators from 81 countries and focused on the key role of every healthcare professional, patient, and caregivers who reports a suspected side effect and contributes to using medicines safely. This campaign was supported by the members of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA)

    #MedSafetyWeek 2022

    Every report to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP helps to improve the safety of medicines for all patients.

    People are encouraged to report suspected side effects of medicines as part of the global #MedSafetyWeek social media campaign

    Why Reporting is required?

    All medicines may cause side effects in some patients, so there are steps in place to continuously monitor their safety after they are placed on the market. The purpose of safety monitoring is to gain more information about known side effects and find out about new ones. Regulatory bodies operate systems to detect and analyse those side effects and prevent harm to future patients.

    The National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP, collects, organises, and investigates reports of suspected side effects / Adverse effects.

    By reporting suspected side effects, you are actively participating in identifying emerging safety issues, so that DRAP can take action when necessary and protect you and others from harm.

    Every Report is important for us

    Every report made by a patient, a healthcare professional, or a caregiver plays a key role in gaining more knowledge about the benefits and risks of medicines in clinical use and allows action to be taken to minimize risks and can result in better tailored prescribing advice, which can improve patient outcomes.

    Patients / care givers and all healthcare professionals can report suspected side effects to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP. You can submit a report in many ways:

    Are you a Pharmacist?

    You are the first person patients go to when they have questions about their medicines.  Please report any new side effects of a medicine via the [Med Safety App & E reporting https://primaryreporting.who-umc.org/PK 

    DRAP issued Guidelines on Management of High Alert Medication

    Asad Ullah Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Updates , ,

    DRAP envisions advancement in the healthcare system of Pakistan by working at par with international standards, and best regulatory practices through effective management and regulation of therapeutic goods. The National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) at DRAP issues guidelines from time to time for different activities relating to Pharmacovigilance and promotion of pharmacy services to cater to the needs of different stakeholders.

    High Alert medicines are those that have a high risk of causing injury or harm if they are misused or used in error. NPC, DRAP has issued a a Guidelines on Management of High Alert Medication to illustrate recommended practices for safe handling of those drug products that are classified as High Alert Medication (HAM). 

    The main objective for issuing this guidance document is to support healthcare professionals working at hospitals and healthcare services providing institutes for ensure safe practices for prescribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring of high alert medication (HAM) and applies to all healthcare settings and healthcare professionals involved in the handling and usage of HAM. The outlined and recommended strategies are intended to educate HCPs, prevent risks associated with HAM, implement safety checks and encourage reporting of Adverse Events /Adverse Drug Reactions. 

    This draft guideline was uploaded on the official website of DRAP dated 16th June, 2022 with request of comments submissions by the stakeholders. The National Pharmacovigilance centre, Division of Pharmacy Services has finalized the documents after careful evaluation of the comments and input received from internal and external stakeholder consultation.

    Suggestions can be forwarded via email to npc∂dra.gov.pk, copying at aqsa.hashmi∂dra.gov.pk , or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor, TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.

    click to view the Guidelines on Management of High Alert Medication (Edition 01). For more information related the regulatory guidelines and guidance documents issued by the DRAP please navigate to the Publications > Guidelines tab of our website.

    National Pharmacovigilance Cell (NPC), DRAP released draft Guidelines on National Pharmacovigilance System (Edition 02) seeking comments from stakeholders

    Asad Ullah News & Updates, Pharmacovigilance

    DRAP has established the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC), under the Division of Pharmacy Services, DRAP, Islamabad, to monitor the safety of therapeutic goods across the country. NPC is working with National and International coordination for the development of a functional Pharmacovigilance system in the country. Since 2018, Pakistan is the Full member of the World Health Organization Programme for International Drug Monitoring (WHO-PIDM), Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), Sweden.

    The NPC has developed multi channel reporting system, including electronic and manual reporting forms supported with the guidelines that are available through the official website for stakeholders. With the promulgation of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, it is now the legal obligation of all pharmacovigilance stakeholders to establish their system and report the pharmacovigilance data to NPC.

    The 1st Edition of National Pharmacovigilance Guidelines were published in October, 2019. This is the draft for 2nd Edition of National Pharmacovigilance Guidelines, being revised in the light of recently enacted Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022. This Guidance document is intended to assist all pharmacovigilance stakeholders i.e. Healthcare professionals, Marketing Authorization Holders, Healthcare providing institutes, Patients and caregivers, etc., in playing their roles and responsibilities in the national pharmacovigilance system. The WHO Pharmacovigilance indicators have been incorporated in the chapter 11 of the draft 2nd edition to harmonize the procedure performance evaluation with international standards.

    These guidelines are uploaded on the official website of DRAP on 24th of August, 2022 for seeking comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. 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 npc∂dra.gov.pk, or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.

    Please click here to view the draft document National Pharmacovigilance Guidelines 2022

    National Essential Medicine Lists

    Asad Ullah Notifications, Pharmacovigilance, Publications , ,

    Availability of essential medicines is one of the essential building blocks of healthcare system. Essential medicines are those which satisfy the primary healthcare need of the population. These are intended to be available within the context of functioning of health system at all times, in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage form with assured quality, and at a price that the individual and community can afford.

    Careful selection of a limited range of essential medicines of high quality can provide better management towards judicious use of health resources.

    National standard treatment guidelines navigate selection of essential medicine with the expectation to ensure their availability with reference to proper use of medicine within the healthcare system while reducing its cost.

    National Essential Medicine List NEML is a critical document which provides and supports quality of health services across the country. The list is based on disease prevalence, evidence on efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness and parameters adapted by W.H.O in its latest edition of Model List of Essential Medicines.

    Health sector in general and Pharmaceutical sector in particular is expected to seriously consider adopting this list as a way forward to guide Provincial Governments in Medicine & Pharmaceutical sector policies, the determinants of medicines access and availability. The Provincial Governments can play a pivotal role to encourage procurement and supply chain management policies based on essential medicine concepts to promote rational use of scarce public resources. Drug Regulatory Authority is committed to make all efforts to improve patient care through availability of cost efficacious, safe & quality medicines availability in the country.

    Current List

    The current version, updated in October 2023 is based on the 23rd WHO Model List of Essential Medicines List (MLEM).

    National Essential Medicine List-2023
    English ( 47.8 MB – PDF)

    Download

    Previous Lists

    National Essential Medicine List-2021
    English ( 10.8 MB – PDF)

    Download

    National Essential Medicine List-2020
    English ( 55 MB – PDF)

    Download

    National Essential Medicine List-2018
    English ( 15 MB – PDF)

    Download

    National Essential Medicine List-2016
    English ( 39 MB – PDF)

    Download

    DRAP notified National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) under the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022

    Asad Ullah Notifications, Pharmacovigilance, Press Releases

    Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) , in pursuance to the enactment of Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022 has notified the National Pharmacovigilance Centre, with the aim to further enhance the Pharmacovigilance activities includes collecting, analyzing, monitoring, and preventing adverse effects in the therapeutic goods.

    DRAP also encourages all healthcare professionals to establish the practices of pharmacovigilance in the country as they have pivotal role in monitoring the safety and efficacy of therapeutic goods, particularly for newly-marketed product.

    NPC-Notification-10.06.2022Download

    The Authority, under Rule 3(1) read with Rule 3 (2) of the Pharmacovigilance Rules, 2022, notified the National Pharmacovigilance Centre under the Division of Pharmacy Services, DRAP.

    The safe use of drugs, vaccines, medical devices and other therapeutic goods medicines is the most important criteria for DRAP to protect the public health and integrity of national healthcare system. Pharmacovigilance is the mechanisms to map and ensure the safety of therapeutic goods throughout their life span – from clinical trials to patient or consumer.

    The importance of Pharmacovigilance is increased further in the current era due to arrival of novel of biopharmaceutical products and innovative technologies in healthcare practices.

    National Pharmacovigilance Center (NPC) is working at DRAP and Pakistan is a full member of the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring.

    Two Provincial Pharmacovigilance Centres in Punjab and Islamabad are also working in addition to a Centre of EPI (immunization programme), collecting ADR data and collaborating with the National Centre. National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) has also established a Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Expert Committee (PRAEC).

    NPC is Coordinating with other provinces/administrative territories, PHPs for establishment of their PV centers and also communicating with manufacture and importers of therapeutic goods for establishment of their pharmacovigilance system and reporting of ADRs to DRAP.

    NPC has also published various documents and Guidelines for Stakeholders on pharmacovigilance activities, including :-

    1. Pakistan National Pharmacovigilance Guidelines
    2. Good Vigilance Practice Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Companies
    3. Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals
    4. Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Patients Pharmacovigilance
    5. Guidelines for Public Health Programmes.

    National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP intends to seek comments of Stakeholders on “Draft Guidelines on High Alert Medication Management”

    Asad Ullah Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Updates ,

    DRAP envisions advancement in the healthcare system of Pakistan by working at par with international standards, and best regulatory practices through effective management and regulation of therapeutic goods. The National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC) at DRAP prepares and issues guidelines from time to time for different activities relating to Pharmacovigilance and promotion of pharmacy services to cater to the needs of different stakeholders.

    NPC, DRAP has recently published a revised list of High Alert Medication on the official website and is currently developing a Guidelines on High Alert Medication Management.

    This document is intended for the guidance and support of hospitals and healthcare professionals (HCP) for safe prescribing, dispensing, administration and monitoring of high alert medication (HAM) and applies to all healthcare settings and healthcare professionals involved in handling and usage of HAM. The outlined and recommended strategies are intended to educate HCPs, prevent risks associated with HAM, implement safety checks and encourage reporting of Adverse Events /Adverse Drug Reactions. 

    This draft guideline is uploaded on the official website of DRAP dated 16th June, 2022, for seeking comments and suggestions from stakeholders on the draft document. Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions within 15 days of uploading this document using prescribed format, (further information on comments submission can be accessed on this link). Comments and suggestions can be forwarded via email to npc∂dra.gov.pk, copying at aqsa.hashmi∂dra.gov.pk , or can be posted at mailing address, Director, Division of Pharmacy Services, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, 3rd floor, TF Complex, 7th Mauve Area, G-9/4, Islamabad.

    Click here to view the draft Guidelines on High Alert Medication Management (Edition 01)

    DRAP issued Guidelines for Public Health Programs (PHPs) to promote Pharmacovigilance activities and enhancing collaboration with National Pharmacovigilance Centre, DRAP.

    Asad Ullah Pharmacovigilance

    Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) aims at providing a holistic system of Pharmacovigilance in the country. Public Health Programs are key stakeholders involved in the reporting, assessment and risk communication of various un-wanted effects arising after the use of drugs, vaccines and other therapeutic goods. Reporting of Adverse Events associated with the use of therapeutic goods exclusively being used by PHPs is essential to a pharmacovigilance system.

    The key objectives of pharmacovigilance activities in public health programs are:-

    1. To improve public health and safety in relation to the use of therapeutic goods in PHPs;
    2. To detect problems related to the use of therapeutic goods and associated risk communication in a timely manner
    3. To encourage the safe, rational and more effective use of therapeutic goods.

    This guideline will assist the Public Health Programs (PHPs) for enhancement of pharmacovigilance activities, and provide a guidance on communication channels among PHPs and Pharmacovigilance Centres for collaborative working to synergize activities within the National Pharmacovigilance system of Pakistan.

    DRAP published the draft of this guidelines on its website on 23rd April, 2022 inviting the comments of stakeholders on the draft. After through consultation and careful consideration, fist edition of the guidelines on the pharmacovigilance activities in the public health programs are finalized. Nevertheless, anyone can still furnish his/her comments on the guidelines using our comments submissions methods for consideration in the future editions of the document.

    Please click to view the document, GUIDELINES ON PHARMACOVIGILANCE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMMES