DRAP bans counterfeit Rhophylac injection for blood disorders, public alert issued nationwide

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) has imposed an urgent ban on the sale and use of Rhophylac, an injectable anti-D immunoglobulin drug used for blood disorders. The decision follows reports of counterfeit versions in circulation, which could endanger patient health due to unverified ingredients and efficacy issues.

Rhophylac, manufactured by CSL Behring in Switzerland, is a critical treatment option for individuals requiring red cell targeting, particularly those with Rh-negative blood types. However, DRAP has alerted healthcare providers and the public to avoid using this drug until further notice, citing discrepancies in labeling and batch numbers on counterfeit products. According to DRAP, counterfeit samples reported by the KP Drug Inspector and a Karachi pharmaceutical firm had mismatched barcodes and inconsistent batch numbers — clear indicators of tampering.

Counterfeit Drug Dangers
Anti-D immunoglobulin is a biologically derived treatment intended to prevent complications related to Rh incompatibility in pregnancy and other blood disorders. The presence of fake Rhophylac injections in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical market not only jeopardizes individual health but also erodes trust in essential healthcare resources. DRAP’s public advisory emphasizes the potential health hazards of these counterfeit drugs, whose quality and safety remain unverified.

This ban highlights the critical need for rigorous pharmaceutical oversight in Pakistan, where the threat of spurious medicines remains a significant public health risk. As DRAP continues its mission to remove counterfeit drugs from circulation, healthcare experts are advocating for more stringent measures and better regulatory practices to safeguard the public health.