The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya has issued an urgent alert regarding the voluntary recall of S-PRAZO (Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules 40mg), Batch No. SPZ-302, following reports of a packaging mix-up. The drug, manufactured by Laborate Pharmaceutical India Limited, is commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eradicate *Helicobacter pylori*.
The recall, announced on August 20, comes after complaints that some boxes of S-PRAZO contained both S-PRAZO Capsules and Donystatin Tablets. “The product batch is being recalled following a market complaint regarding mix-up of blister strips; some boxes were found to contain two different blister strips, i.e. S-PRAZO Capsules and Donystatin Tablets, within the same outer carton,” stated the PPB.
S-PRAZO is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to manage GERD, reduce the risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated gastric ulcers, and treat other conditions involving excessive stomach acid. On the other hand, Donystatin is an antifungal medication used primarily to treat infections caused by Candida species.
The PPB has instructed all healthcare professionals, pharmaceutical outlets, and the public to immediately stop distributing, selling, or using the affected batch. The board urged the return of the product to the nearest healthcare facility or supplier.
“The board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to stop any further distribution, sale, issuance, or use of the product batch and return it to their nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers,” the notice added.
The PPB also encouraged the public to report any suspected substandard medicines or adverse drug reactions through its official communication channels.
