The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) has issued an urgent directive for the immediate recall of a specific epilepsy medication due to identified quality concerns. The recall targets Phenytoin 100 mg tablets, manufactured by Medicamen Biotech Limited.
According to the Bahir Dar branch of the EPSS, all batches of the medication produced by the manufacturer have been flagged for quality defects. The agency has instructed all health facilities across the country to immediately cease the distribution of these tablets and return any remaining stock to the supply service.
While some health institutions have already complied with the recall, the EPSS noted that several facilities have yet to return the affected medication. In a formal notice, the agency mandated that all non-compliant institutions report their remaining inventory by July 18, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar). The service warned that any facility failing to adhere to this directive will be held fully accountable for any consequences arising from the continued use of the substandard medication.
Tikvah Ethiopia has confirmed with the central pharmaceutical supply authorities that the recall is being enforced across all 19 regional branches of the service.
Phenytoin is a critical medication primarily used to control seizures in patients suffering from epilepsy. The recall is a precautionary measure intended to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of the national pharmaceutical supply chain. Health professionals are advised to check their current stocks against the affected batch numbers and coordinate with the EPSS for the safe disposal or return of the product.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia