DRAP warns of counterfeit Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra flu vaccines
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has issued alerts over fake influenza vaccines sold under the names Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra. Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi Winthrop have confirmed that the products are not genuine.
For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own health.
- DRAP issued separate rapid alerts for fake Vaxigrip Tetra (batch Y4B34) and Influvac Tetra (batch P13).
- Fake Influvac Tetra from batch P13 was found in Lahore.
- Doctors have been urged not to prescribe the vaccines, and provinces told to seize the batches.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued alerts about counterfeit influenza vaccines being supplied in the country under the names Influvac Tetra and Vaxigrip Tetra. Abbott Laboratories and Sanofi Winthrop have confirmed that the vaccines are fake, according to ProPakistani.
DRAP said Vaxigrip Tetra batch Y4B34 is counterfeit and was never officially imported into Pakistan. The packaging of this batch lists Sanofi Winthrop, France, as the manufacturer. Sanofi's local distributor was the first to alert the authorities.
In the second case, fake Influvac Tetra vaccines from batch P13 have been found in Lahore. Their packaging lists Abbott Biologicals, Netherlands. DRAP has issued a separate rapid alert for each of the two products.
The regulator warned that the quality, efficacy and safety of these vaccines are unknown and that using them may pose serious safety and quality risks to public health. It urged doctors not to prescribe them.
Doctors, distributors and pharmacies have been told to report any suspected fake vaccines to DRAP immediately. Citizens have been asked to report any side effects to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
DRAP has also directed provincial authorities to take emergency measures to stop the supply chain, trace the source of the counterfeit vaccines and confiscate the affected batches.
ProPakistani noted that the alert comes days after reports that Pakistan is facing a shortage of flu vaccines. DRAP had also warned last month against life-threatening fake medicines.
Nawa-i-Waqt reported that the fake vaccines have been supplied in various markets across the country, and that DRAP has issued product alerts nationwide.
Why it matters
Families in Pakistan who seek flu vaccines at a time of reported shortage may encounter fake products of unknown safety. The alert asks doctors, pharmacies and citizens to report suspected fakes and side effects.
