Ministry of Health remains silent on delay in notice regarding recall of Enalapril tablets

The Ministry of Health has not yet explained why a public notice was not issued earlier for the recall of Ray ENAP-10 Enalapril Maleate 10 mg and 5 mg tablets and why the recall was not issued until to wholesalers and pharmacists.

This comes as the ministry had previously issued a notice to all drug wholesalers in Fiji regarding the recall of Ray ENAP-10 Enalapril Maleate 10mg and 5mg tablets, following the testing of these drugs.

They had only advised all pharmacists to stop dispensing the product if it is in stock and to withdraw it from circulation as soon as possible.

A letter from the chief pharmacist, Ilisabeta Pesamino, addressed to pharmacies and obtained by fijivillage News, indicated that the manufacturer of these products was UNILINK PHARMA (P)LTD.

The ministry says test results carried out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Laboratories found the average quantity of enalapril in the batches listed was below the required standard.

They also urge members of the public who may have used the product and experienced adverse reactions to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional and report the incident to the Medicines Regulatory Authority by post email to [email protected] or by email. call 892 1660.

Fijivillage News also asked if this was an approved drug, why was the test not done before approval and who will be taken to task over this.

The lots listed are Ray ENAP-10 Enalapril Maleate 10 mg tablets REBT2301 with an expiry date of January 31, 2026 and Ray ENAP-5 Enalapril Maleate 5 mg tablets REAT231 with an expiry date of January 31, 2026.