PPB revealed that the recall was issued due to labelling mix-ups where the correct product was identified
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) on Friday, November 22 announced the recall of Efinox 1% w/v Batch No. 82979 and Efinox 0.5% w/v Batch No. 82978 manufactured by Laboratory and Allied Limited based in Kenya.
In a statement, PPB revealed that the recall was issued due to labelling mix-ups where the correct product was identified, but the wrong strength was applied.
“An investigation by Laboratory and Allied Ltd revealed that there was likely a mix-up between 0.5% w/v and 1% w/v strengths of the Efinox Nasal Drops during the labelling and packing process of the above batches,” stated PPB in part.
Following this discovery, the board called on all pharmacies, medical facilities, doctors and Kenyans to cease distributing and selling the drug immediately.
Pharmacy and Poisons Board offices. /FILE
“In light of this, the Board advises all pharmaceutical outlets, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals, and members of the public to immediately STOP the further distribution, sale, issuance, or use of the affected product batches.
“The products should be returned to the nearest healthcare facility or respective suppliers,” PPB directed.
The Board further encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of sub-standard medicines or adverse drug reactions to the nearest healthcare facility or the Pharmacy and Poisons Board through five channels:
- Website: https://pv.pharmacyboardkenya.org/users/mpublic
- USSD code at *271#
- Mobile application: mPVERS both Android & iOS
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Telephone No: 0795-743-049
Efinox is a nasal drop and is used for temporary relief of congestion in the nose caused by various conditions including the common cold, sinusitis, hay fever, and allergies. According to WebMD, it works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose area, reducing swelling and congestion.
How to use Nose Drops
Use the medication in the nose as directed. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To apply nasal drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your nose or any other surface. If needed, have another person place the drops in your nose.
Gently blow your nose before using a nose drop. Tilt your head back while sitting on a chair or lying down. Hold the dropper over the affected nostril and apply the directed number of drops. Keep your head tilted for a few minutes. Repeat these steps with the other nostril if needed. Do not swallow the medication if it drips into the throat.
“This medication provides only temporary relief. Do not use more medication or use it more often or for longer than directed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Also, do not use this medication for more than 3 days because doing so may cause a condition called rebound congestion.
“Symptoms of rebound congestion include long-term redness and swelling inside the nose and increased runny nose. If this occurs, stop using this medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist,” WebMD advises. You should also inform your doctor if your condition gets worse or lasts after three days.
Side Effects
Side effects one might expect from using nasal drops include temporary burning, stinging, dryness in the nose, runny nose, and sneezing. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
“Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including slow/fast/pounding heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, shaking (tremors), unusual sweating, and unusual weakness,” the website further advises.
