Time to step up war on fake pharmaceuticals
The government yesterday issued an alert over fake Augmentin tablet in circulation in local market.
Health ministry called on citizens to beware of fake Augmentin medication in circulation in Kenya and neighbouring Uganda.
The drug is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
The ministry, through the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), raised the red flag over the falsified Augmentin tablets (Amoxicillin Trihydrate and Potassium Clavulanate), following an alert by the World Health Oganisation (WHO).
PPB chief executive Fred Siyoi said the alert is based on information relayed by WHO’s Rapid Alert System and Interpol for the purpose of ensuring surveillance.
Remain vigilant
In a statement to newsroom, Siyoi said the falsified drug has been manufactured by SmithKline Beecham Limited in August 2016 and the expiry was by the end of this month.
In October last year, Siyoi said the board’s surveillance advised the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious cases.
He added that the Rapid Response Initiative team had been closely monitoring the drug.
