The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has today, April 25, 2025, issued an urgent recall of three widely-used medicines from the Kenyan market over safety concerns, including the presence of counterfeit and substandard batches.
The drugs affected are Augmentin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic; Paracetamol, the go-to pain reliever for millions of households; and Esomeprazole, a medication used to manage acid reflux and ulcers.
According to a statement from the PPB, an investigation uncovered forged batches of Augmentin — specifically batch numbers 8X3K and EU7C — circulating locally. The antibiotic is typically prescribed for treating infections affecting the urinary tract, respiratory system, skin, ears, and sinuses.
The regulator also flagged several problematic batches of Paracetamol injections showing an unusual colour change, rendering them unsafe for patient use. The affected products include:
- – Lumidol Injection (batch numbers CM4594007, CM4594008, CM4594009)
- – Blink Injection (batch numbers CS4594005, CS4594004)
- – Paragen Injection (batch number K4290027)
All these injectable medicines were manufactured by KamlaAmrut Pharmaceutical LLP, an Indian pharmaceutical firm.
Adding to the concern, the PPB identified a packaging mix-up involving S-Prazo (Esomeprazole 40mg) batch number SPZ404, where strips of a different drug were mistakenly packaged inside, posing serious risks to unsuspecting patients.
Healthcare providers have been directed to stop prescribing and dispensing these affected drugs immediately, while members of the public have been urged to cease their use and return any of the flagged products to the nearest pharmacy, hospital, or supplier.
The PPB warned that the consequences of falsified or substandard medicines are severe — ranging from treatment failure and prolonged illness to poisoning, permanent health damage, or even death in the most tragic cases.
The authority also advised pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare professionals, and the general public to remain vigilant, follow official product safety alerts, and report any suspicious medicines encountered in the market.
