Urgent warning: Popular drug withdrawn from pharmacies in EgyptUrgent warning: Popular drug withdrawn from pharmacies in Egypt
The Egyptian Drug Authority issued an official notice to withdraw a specific batch of a popular drug in the country for treating stomach ailments, after it was proven that it did not conform to the approved standard specifications in the Authority’s laboratories.
A popular stomach medication has been withdrawn in Egypt.
The Egyptian Drug Authority explained that the decision includes withdrawing a specific batch of the drug Zurcal 40 mg gastro resistant tablets, batch number 230916, as the drug "Zurcal" contains the active ingredient pantoprazole and reduces acid secretion in the stomach.
The Egyptian Drug Authority confirmed that the decision comes within the framework of its regulatory role to ensure the quality and safety of medicines circulating in the Egyptian market, stressing that it has issued immediate instructions to withdraw the mentioned batch from all pharmacies and distribution outlets, while halting circulation and seizing it until the necessary procedures are completed.
The authority also stressed that the withdrawal decision pertains only to the imported batch and does not constitute a generalization to all products of the product, which are still safe and traded normally.
This measure comes within the framework of the Egyptian Drug Authority’s policy to strengthen the pharmacovigilance system and monitor the quality of products in order to ensure the health and safety of citizens.
Zorcal is used in a number of cases related to increased stomach acidity, and its most prominent uses include: treating acid reflux, relieving symptoms of acidity and heartburn, helping to heal esophageal inflammations resulting from acid reflux, and treating stomach and duodenal ulcers.
