Punjab issues alert over injectable medicine batches after tests
The Directorate of Drug Control (DDC), Punjab, has ordered the immediate stoppage of the supply, sale and use of specific batches of Injection Pd-Meek 1 mL.
The medicine contains Mecobalamin at a strength of 500mcg/mL and is registered under No. 040562. Authorities said concerns were raised about the product’s quality and manufacturing process.
Why has the medicine been stopped?
According to the public notice, the affected product had earlier been declared “Adulterated and Standard” by the Drugs Testing Laboratory in Punjab.
The authorities subsequently initiated a recall of five batches identified as MC26020, MC26021, MC26022, MC26023 and MC26024.
The decision followed an inspection of the manufacturing facility by Drug Inspectors. During the inspection, officials found that the listed batches had entered the supply chain before mandatory sterility testing had been completed.
Authorities said this was contrary to applicable Good Manufacturing Practices, which require medicines to undergo the necessary quality checks before being released.
Because the required sterility testing had not been completed, officials said the safety, quality and effectiveness of the affected batches could not currently be guaranteed.
Pharmacies ordered to stop sale and use
The Provincial Quality Control Board, Punjab, has directed that the Medicine Stoppage Alert remain active while the matter is investigated.
Pharmacies, medical stores, wholesalers, distributors and healthcare facilities have been instructed to immediately stop selling, purchasing, dispensing, distributing or using the affected batches.
People and institutions holding the medicines have also been told to quarantine the available stock. The affected injections should be kept separately and protected from further distribution until authorities issue additional instructions.
The notice further directs those holding the affected products to report their stocks to the relevant Drug Inspector.
This includes Drug Inspectors responsible for distributors and healthcare facilities. The measure is intended to help authorities identify where the affected batches are located and prevent their continued use.
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Authorities begin checks across Punjab
Drug Inspectors and other regulators across Punjab have been instructed to ensure that the stoppage order is properly implemented.
Officials are also required to identify and secure available stocks and collect samples according to the applicable laws and regulations.
The action is being taken under the Drugs Act 1976, the DRAP Act 2012 and related rules governing the safety and quality of medicines.
The medicine stoppage alert does not mean that every product containing Mecobalamin is affected. The notice specifically concerns the identified Injection Pd-Meek 1 mL batches listed by the authorities.
Healthcare facilities and medicine sellers should therefore check their stocks carefully against the batch numbers mentioned in the alert.
Investigation will determine next action
The authorities have kept the stoppage in place while the investigation continues. Further directions are expected once officials complete their assessment of the manufacturing and quality-control issues.
The case highlights why sterility testing is an important part of injectable medicine production. Unlike many other medicines, injectable products are administered directly into the body, making quality and contamination controls particularly important.
For now, sellers and healthcare providers have been directed not to distribute or use the specified batches. They are expected to keep the stock separate and cooperate with Drug Inspectors during the investigation.
