The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that it identified a batch of a contaminated drugs for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases in Lebanon and Yemen.
The WHO Medical Product Alert refers to one batch of substandard METHOTREXTM (methotrexate) 50mg.
Following unexpected medical problems in pediatric patients receiving the drug, health authorities in Yemen and Lebanon conducted microbiological testing on unopened vials of METHOTREXTM 50mg. The results in both countries were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which indicates contamination of the products.
WHO warned that the patients who receive methotrexate treatment may have weakened immune systems and can be more vulnerable to infections, adding that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection may pose serious health risks.
The organization noted that batch MTI2101BAQ was intended to be sold in the Indian market, remarking that the batch available in Yemen and Lebanon was “procured outside the regulated supply chain.”
“Therefore, the stated manufacturer cannot guarantee the safety of this product which was not destined for these markets,” WHO said.
After WHO’s warning, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health stated that it will withdraw the counterfeit batch from the Lebanese market and prevent its circulation while stressing the need not to buy any medicine from an unknown source and to abide by the list of medications published on the Ministry’s website to ensure the safety of citizens and to protect them from the use of counterfeit medicines.
Adding that, it will follow up on this file to reveal those involved in the health incident and take the necessary measures against them.