Pakistan Antibiotic Alert: Punjab Warns Against Fake Azomax 250mg Capsules
Health authorities in Punjab have issued a Pakistan Antibiotic Alert after identifying a fake batch of Azomax 250mg (Azithromycin) capsules in the market. Officials urged people to avoid using the affected medicine and purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies. The warning aims to protect patients and prevent possible health risks linked to counterfeit products.
According to the Directorate of Drugs Control, Punjab, the affected batch number is H5332 and carries an expiry date of July 2027. Officials recovered the capsules from an unauthorized individual during an inspection. However, the original manufacturer confirmed that the product was not made at its approved production facility.
Fake Batch Confirmed During Testing
The Drug Testing Laboratory Punjab examined the capsules and declared the batch spurious under the Drugs Act, 1976. As a result, the Provincial Quality Control Board started legal and regulatory action. Officials stressed that fake medicines can pose serious health risks because their quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.
Authorities instructed market authorization holders, importers, distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics to stop supplying the affected batch immediately. In addition, they must isolate any remaining stock and report suspicious supply chains without delay.
Stronger Market Checks Ordered
The Punjab government has also ordered stronger market surveillance across the province. Inspectors will continue checking pharmacies and medical stores to prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching patients. Furthermore, authorities warned that anyone violating these instructions could face strict enforcement action under relevant drug laws.
Public Asked to Stay Alert
Health officials advised the public not to use Azomax 250mg capsules from batch H5332 under any circumstances. Instead, people should buy medicines only from authorized pharmacies and trusted medical stores. They should also report any suspicious medicine to the relevant health authorities. These steps can help protect public health and reduce the circulation of counterfeit medicines across Pakistan.
