Ministry of Health withdraws children’s drug

Dubai: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued a circular instructing medical institutions to withdraw Augmentin 250mg for children due to a manufacturing error.

The product with the manufacturing code 517999, produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is said to contain small plastic particles in the packaging, which may mix with the medication. The circular has been issued to pharmacies, doctors, clinics, and private and public hospitals.

Augmentin is commonly used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for Medical Practice and Licensing at the Ministry, said that the circular is in line with the ministry’s efforts towards public health and safety. He said the product was withdrawn from the market as per the manufacturer’s request.

He added that the company has been asked to visit the Ministry’s Registration and Drug Control Department to provide a detailed report on the results of the withdrawal and the quantity of products that were pulled from the market. The company has also been asked to sign an undertaking to provide the same quantity of the medication to ensure that the market does not suffer from a shortage.

The Ministry has also issued a ban on importing the product with the said manufacturing code.