Govt Orders Kenyans To Stop Selling 3 Medicines, Including Popular Painkillers
The Board advised all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately cease further distribution
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has directed that all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals immediately halt the sale of three drugs circulating the Kenyan market.
In different statements issued on Thursday, April 24, PPB alerted members of the public regarding the detection of falsified Augmentin 1g (Batch SGS2) and Augmentin 625mg (Batch numbers 8X3K and EU7C) in the Kenyan market.
"In view of the above, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to IMMEDIATELY CEASE further distribution, sale, issuing, or use of the outlined product batch and return the same to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers," directed PPB.
Augmentin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It combines two active ingredients: amoxicillin, which kills bacteria, and clavulanic acid, which helps amoxicillin work more effectively by stopping bacteria from resisting it.
Photo of recalled Esomeprazole and Paracetamol drugs. /PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD
This combination makes Augmentin useful for treating infections such as sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. It is important to note that Augmentin only works against bacterial infections—it won’t help with viral illnesses like colds or the flu.
PPB also raised an alarm regarding the detection of a product mix-up involving S-Prazo (Esomeprazole 40mg), Batch No. SPZ404. It was reported and confirmed that a strip of a Levofloxacin 500mg tablet was found in a pack of Esomeprazole 40mg capsules.
As per the aforementioned warning, the Board advised all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately cease further distribution, sale, issuing, or use of the outlined product batch and return the same to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers.
Esomeprazole is a medicine that helps reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. It’s part of a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and it’s commonly used to treat problems related to too much stomach acid.
People usually take esomeprazole if they have conditions like acid reflux, heartburn, or GERD (which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease). It can also help heal damage in the food pipe (oesophagus) caused by stomach acid. In some cases, doctors use it to prevent or treat stomach ulcers.
Esomeprazole works by turning off some of the tiny pumps in your stomach that produce acid. Less acid means less irritation, less burning, and a chance for your stomach or oesophagus to heal. It’s often taken once a day, usually before eating. While it works well, it’s not meant for instant relief like antacids. It takes a bit of time to build up and fully kick in.
Further, PPB informed Kenyans that substandard batches of Paracetamol 1000mg/100ml Injection identified in the Kenyan market, which have exhibited a colour change, were detected. The drugs include:
- Lumidol Injection: Batch Numbers CM4594007, CM4594008, and CM4594009, Manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical LLP, India.
- Blink Injection: Batch Numbers CS4594005 and CS4594004 Manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical LLP, India.
- Paragen injection: Batch Number K4290027, Manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical LLP, India.
“In view of the above, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately cease further distribution, sale, issuing, or use of the outlined product batch and return the same to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers," PPB announced.
Paracetamol is a common medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It’s also known as acetaminophen in some countries, like the United States (US).
People use paracetamol for things like headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, colds, and fever. It doesn’t treat the cause of the pain or illness, but it helps you feel better while your body heals.
Unlike some other painkillers, paracetamol is gentle on the stomach and doesn’t cause bleeding or irritation, which is why it is often recommended for people who can’t take stronger pain meds.
It is safe when used correctly, but taking too much can seriously damage the liver, hence why it is important to follow the dose instructions on the label or from a doctor.
