The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has warned that counterfeit influenza vaccines are being sold in the country under the names of two multinational products, Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra.
Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi Winthrop, whose brand names appear on the packaging, confirmed the products are fake.
Batches Identified
DRAP said the Vaxigrip Tetra batch Y4B34 is counterfeit and was never officially imported into Pakistan; its label lists Sanofi Winthrop, France, as the maker. Sanofi's local distributor first notified authorities.
Fake Influvac Tetra from batch P13 was also discovered in Lahore, with packaging that names Abbott Biologicals, Netherlands.
Separate rapid alerts have been issued for Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra.
Serious Safety Concerns
The regulator cautioned that the quality, efficacy and safety of these vaccines are unknown and that using them could pose serious health risks. It urged doctors not to prescribe them.
Doctors, distributors and pharmacies have been instructed to report any suspected counterfeit vaccines to DRAP immediately, while citizens should report side effects to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC).
Provinces Told to Seize Stock
DRAP also ordered provincial authorities to take emergency steps to halt the supply chain, trace the source of the fake vaccines and confiscate the affected batches.
The alert follows recent reports of a flu-vaccine shortage in Pakistan and a prior warning last month about life-threatening fake medicines.
