Rapid Alert
| DRAP Alert No | No I/S/12-24-52 |
| Action Date | 12th December, 2024 |
| Target Audience | 1. Regulatory Field Force. 2. Therapeutic Goods industry 3. Manufactures of Oral liquid preparations 4. Healthcare professionals |
| Problem Statement | Federal Government Analyst, Central Drugs Laboratory Karachi vide test/analysis No. RM-10-24-000624 dated 19-11-2024 declared the sample of Propylene Glycol (Raw material) sent to CDL Karachi by a licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer in compliance to advisory issued by DRAP vide No. 03-41/2023-QC dated 01-12-2023. The supply chain of this raw material is still under investigation. Details of test/analysis report are given as under: |
The product identification details are as under: –
Therapeutic Good Affected:-
| Product | Batch No* | Mfg Date | Exp. Date | Manufacturer Name (as per label) | Remarks |
| Propylene Glycol (Raw material) | YF01210911 | 22-May-2023 | 21-May-2025 | M/s. Dongying Hi-Tech Spring Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., China.[The material found in the packaging with the label of this manufacturer, however product authenticity and supply chain integrity are under investigation and yet not confirmed.] | The sample is declared substandard due to conatmination of Ethylene Glycol. |
| Risk Statement | Di-Ethylene glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) contaminated Propylene Glycol (PG) when used in oral liquid preparations can lead to serious health risks. When ingested, EG and DEG are converted into toxic metabolites that can affect the central nervous system and heart. Moreover, it can also cause kidney damage which may lead to fatal consequences. |
| Action Initiated | The Regulatory Field Force has directed to take increase surveillance for identification of above mentioned contaminated batch of Propylene Glycol in the market and is investigating the entire supply chain of this batch. The Regulatory Field Force has also been instructed to seize all oral preparations manufactured using the same batch of propylene glycol if found in the market. |
| Advice for Therapeutic Goods Manufacturers | Manufacturers of therapeutic goods are required to follow these instructions: 1. Recall Products: If any batch was manufactured using the same lot of Propylene Glycol that has been identified as contaminated, all finished products from local and export markets should be recalled. 2. Hold Other Batches: All finished products manufactured from the same lot of propylene glycol should be kept on hold. These products should be tested for EG/DEG contamination before releasing them into the supply chain. 3. Screen Raw Materials: Before using them in the manufacturing of oral liquid preparations, all raw materials should be screened for contamination with EG and DEG. 4. Compliance: Ensure compliance with all directives issued by DRAP to safeguard public health from contaminated products. 5. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to the pharmacopoeia monograph and WHO guidelines for testing EG/DEG in oral liquid preparations during the analysis of both raw materials and finished products. Our utmost priority is public safety. DRAP is committed to supporting the industry in maintaining rigorous quality control and testing procedures to prevent any potential harm caused by contaminated products. |
| Advice for Healthcare Professionals | DRAP requests healthcare professionals to stay updated with advisories and recalls. Patients should be educated about the risks and symptoms of EG toxicity. Close monitoring of patients using the affected products is crucial, and any adverse events should be reported to National or Provincial pharmacovigilance centres. -Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) or quality problems experienced with the use of these products shall be reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC), DRAP using 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 stay informed about the latest advisories and recalls from DRAP. If they have experienced any problem or unusual symptoms after using oral liquid preparations, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan / National Pharmacovigilance Centre. All therapeutic goods must be obtained from licensed pharmacies and other authorized/licensed retail outlets. The authenticity and condition of products should be carefully checked. Seek advice from your pharmacists or other healthcare professionals in case of any doubt. |