The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) of Kenya has officially lifted the quarantine order placed on Mefnac Oral Suspension (Mefenamic Acid 50 mg/5 ml), manufactured by Efroze Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd, Pakistan. The decision follows extensive quality control assessments and safety investigations.
The initial quarantine order was issued on December 11, 2024, as a precautionary measure to evaluate potential health risks. However, after thorough testing, the regulatory body confirmed that the product meets all required safety standards.
“The results confirm that the product meets all applicable specifications and is safe for distribution and use,” stated the PPB in an official release.
A key factor in the investigation was testing for the presence of harmful contaminants such as Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG), which have been linked to serious health risks in other pharmaceutical incidents worldwide. The clearance by PPB assures the public that Mefnac Oral Suspension adheres to regulatory guidelines and can now be distributed without restrictions.
Despite lifting the quarantine, the board has emphasized continued vigilance in monitoring pharmaceutical products. “The Board urges the public to report any suspected cases of sub-standard medicines or adverse drug reactions to the nearest healthcare facility or through our official reporting channels,” the statement read.
The PPB provided multiple avenues for the public to report concerns, including an online platform, a USSD code (*271#), the mPvERS mobile application, and direct contact via email or telephone.
The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to public health and safety, stating that it will maintain strict oversight to ensure all medications in the Kenyan market meet the highest quality and safety standards.
The lifting of the quarantine is expected to ease supply concerns for Mefnac Oral Suspension, a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), particularly for pain relief and inflammation management.
