Drug inspectors seize blood pressure medication


LAHORE: Drug inspectors in the provincial capital inspected pharmacies and medical stores on Tuesday, confiscating a widely-used blood pressure medication.

Valsartan, a generic drug prescribed mainly to regulate blood pressure, was banned by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) after it was found to be carcinogenic. The authority also issued directives instructing drug inspectors to launch a crackdown against those who continue to sell the China manufactured tablet.

DRAP also issued a letter to nine major pharmaceutical companies in the country to stop manufacturing drugs containing Valsartan.

ANF seizes 1.5 tons narcotics worth Rs1.1 billion in international market

The decision to ban the drug was made by an inquiry committee and was prompted by a worldwide recall of Valsartan after some batches were believed to contain carcinogens. The valsartan being recalled was manufactured by Zheijiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals.

“The medicine is mainly prescribed to those individuals who face high blood pressure or are at a risk of congestive heart failure. It has not only been banned in Pakistan; other countries around the world are also taking the same steps,” stated a DRAP official while requesting anonymity.

Special instructions were sent to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, the biggest public health hospital which caters specifically to those who suffer heart diseases. In addition to this, all private hospitals having cardiology department were also told to stop using this medication, opting for an alternative, he added.

“Further, health secretaries across the province were instructed to strictly monitor hospitals and take strict action against those continuing to prescribe the medication,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2018.

Getz Pharma is one of the few pharmaceuticals in Pakistan that sells unadulterated Valsartan medicines.

  • Two die due to medicine shortage

    Strike of medical store owners entered fourth day

  • 127 alternative medicines get approval from DRAP

    Traditional medicine is a complex subject and is being regulated in low and middle income countries

  • Khuzdar hospital facing severe medicine shortage 

    PSA appeals to provincial government to ensure timely supply of drugs


    Original news : https://tribune.com.pk/story/1760525/1-drug-inspectors-seize-blood-pressure-medication/