The Ministry of Health, acting through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), has initiated the recall of several pharmaceutical products, including paracetamol injections, Augmentin tablets, and S-Prazo capsules, following concerns over their safety and quality.

The PPB Chief Executive Officer, Fred Siyoi, confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the decision arose after substandard and falsified medicines were detected within the Kenyan market.

According to Siyoi, "The safety and quality of medical products is paramount. The Board urges the public and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and report any suspected substandard or falsified medicines."

Among the affected products are paracetamol 1000mg/100ml injections sold under the brands Lumidol Injection (Batch Numbers CM4594007, CM4594008, CM4594009), Blink Injection (Batch Numbers CS4594005, CS4594004), and Paragen Injection (Batch Number K4290027), all manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical in India.

The batches were withdrawn after exhibiting unexpected colour changes, which raised red flags regarding their safety for use.

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In addition to the injections, the Board recalled S-Prazo (Esomeprazole 40mg), Batch No. SPZ404, manufactured by Medico Remedies Pharmaceutical, India.

Investigations revealed that a strip of Levofloxacin 500mg tablets was found inside a pack that was labelled as esomeprazole capsules, signalling a serious product mix-up.

The recall exercise also targeted falsified versions of Augmentin 1G (Batch Number SHS2) and Augmentin 625MG (Batch Numbers 8X3K and EU7C) that had been reported as circulating within the market.

Siyoi warned healthcare providers, suppliers, and the general public against the sale, distribution, or consumption of the affected medicines.

He instructed that any person or entity in possession of the listed pharmaceutical products should "immediately return them to the nearest healthcare facility or supplier."

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board reassured the public that it continues to closely monitor the pharmaceutical sector to safeguard public health and ensure that only quality-assured medical products are available in the market.