Millions at Risk as Govt Recalls Vital Medicine

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and the National HIV and STI control program (NASCOP) on Friday, November 25, recalled all batches of Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Dolutegravir (300/300/50 mg) tablets from the market.

PPB chief executive officer (CEO) Dr. Fred Siyoi attributed the decision to complaints filed by pharmacists.

The tablets that were manufactured by Universal Corporation Limited (UCL) demonstrated discolouration of the induction seal and discolouration.

“Please note that only the Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (300/300/50mg) manufactured by Universal Corporation Limited is affected by this quarantine and recall,” explained Siyoi on November Friday, 25.

The two medical bodies noted that the recall exercise was a precautionary measure pending the determination of the impact and extent of the quality concern by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

PPB and NASCOP acted after receiving several market complaints from the market that Tenofovir, Lamivudine, Dolutegravir (300/300/50mg) tablets had above-ordinary effects on their physical state.

“All healthcare facilities are instructed to quarantine all stocks of the product and accept the products returned by clients.

"Currently, the PPB in conjunction with KEMSA and the manufacturer are coordinating the reverse logistics to ensure all quarantined stocks are mopped up and returned to a central place,” Siyoi noted.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board also established mechanisms to ensure that medicines supplied to the Kenyan market meet the required quality, safety and efficacy standards.

“We encourage the public to be vigilant at all times and report any suspected poor-quality medicines or adverse drug reactions to the nearest healthcare facility and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through the website or telephone numbers provided," Siyoi clarified.

This comes days after US Billionaire Bill Gates, on Thursday, November 17, announced plans to release an HIV drug he termed to be the “next generation product”.

Gates promised to help Kenyan patients he considers very dearly to him, according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair.

Governor Mutula KIlonzo conversing with Microsoft founder Bill Gates