Punjab health authorities have issued an alert over a batch of allergy medicine. Laboratory testing found the medicine to be substandard.
The warning concerns Hirazine 10mg, which contains cetirizine dihydrochloride. Cetirizine is a commonly used antihistamine for treating allergy symptoms.
The Directorate of Drugs Control Punjab raised concerns after testing the affected medicine. The Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory identified quality issues in the specific batch.
Following the test results, authorities ordered the immediate withdrawal of the affected medicine. The order applies to batch HZT214 of Hirazine 10mg.
The affected batch has an expiry date of December 2027. However, authorities have advised the public not to use it.
The Directorate of Drugs Control and the Punjab Provincial Quality Control Board issued the withdrawal instructions. They have directed pharmacies and medical outlets to remove the batch.
Medical stores and hospitals have also been told to stop selling the affected medicine. They must report any remaining stock to the relevant drug inspector.
Patients who have the affected batch are advised to stop using it immediately. Health authorities warned that the substandard medicine could pose a potential health risk.
The manufacturer has also been instructed to recall all units from batch HZT214. The company must ensure that the affected medicine is removed from the supply chain.
Authorities have further directed the manufacturer to submit a detailed report. The report must be provided to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
The latest action is part of ongoing medicine quality checks in Punjab. Drug testing authorities regularly examine medicines to identify products that fail quality standards.
The alert highlights the importance of checking medicine batches before use. Patients and healthcare providers should carefully verify the batch number when purchasing Hirazine 10mg.
The Punjab authorities have urged pharmacies and healthcare facilities to follow the recall instructions. They have also asked relevant officials to monitor compliance.
The affected batch should not be sold or supplied to patients. Any remaining stock should be reported and handled according to regulatory instructions.
The authorities’ action aims to prevent further distribution of the substandard medicine. It also seeks to reduce potential risks for patients using allergy treatments.
The recall will remain focused on batch HZT214. Other batches of Hirazine 10mg are not identified in the provided alert.
Patients with concerns about their medicine should consult a qualified healthcare professional. They should also avoid using the affected batch until further guidance is provided.
The Punjab health authorities have called for prompt action from all relevant stakeholders. The manufacturer, pharmacies, hospitals and medical stores must comply with the recall.
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The case also underscores the role of laboratory testing in medicine safety. Such testing helps authorities identify products that may not meet required quality standards.
