In a recent development, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a public alert regarding two distinct suspected cases of falsified medical products circulating within the Kenyan market, posing potential threats to public health.

Asali ya Wazee Contamination

The first case involves the popular product "Asali ya Wazee," also known as THEMRA Epimedyumlu Macun, manufactured by Veysi Topuz.

Touted for its alleged sexual enhancement properties and marketed as herbal and 100 per cent natural, this product has undergone rigorous testing by the PPB.

"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes to alert the public about a suspected falsified product, THEMRA Epimedyumlu Macun, manufactured by Veysi Topuz that is believed to be in circulation within the Kenyan market," the board's notice read.

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"The product, commonly referred to as "Asali ya wazee", is promoted for its alleged sexual enhancement properties and is claimed to be herbal and 100% natural."

The tests revealed significant adulteration with Sildenafil, a potent pharmaceutical ingredient prescribed for managing erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sildenafil is classified as a Prescription-Only Medicine, and its excessive consumption can result in serious health hazards. The PPB sternly cautions the public against using, trading, distributing, or dispensing this product.

Legal actions will be taken against individuals found dealing with or distributing the contaminated product.

Additionally, the PPB advises the public to refrain from using health products lacking approval from the PPB, emphasizing the importance of safety and regulatory compliance.


Truvada Batches Alert

In a separate concern, the PPB is raising awareness about suspicious batches of Truvada (Emtricitabine/Tenofovir 200mg/300mg) tablets in the Kenyan market.

The identified batches, B4033894D and B425875D, manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc., are deemed illegal as they have failed to meet approved marketing authorization requirements.

"The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) wishes to alert the public about suspicious batches of falsified and substandard (SF) Truvada product suspected to be circulating within the Kenyan market," the board warned.

"The product batches in question are TRUVADA 200mg/300mg tablets (Emtricitabine 200mg/Tenofovir Disoproxil 300mg) manufactured by Gilead Sciences Inc. bearing the Batch numbers B4033894D and B425875D."

The notice further stated, "the public is notified that these product batches are illegally in the market as they have FAILED to meet the approved marketing authorization requirements evidenced by falsified packaging and labelling."

The PPB warns the public against using these specific batches due to concerns about their safety, quality, and efficacy.

Likewise, legal and regulatory actions will be taken against any individuals involved in the trade, distribution, retail, or dispensing of these compromised batches.

To ensure public health and safety, the PPB has initiated rapid response measures and heightened surveillance to verify the extent of the circulation of the falsified Truvada product.

The board reassures the public that other batches of Truvada currently in the market meet the necessary marketing authorization requirements.

The PPB urges both the general public and healthcare providers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of substandard or falsified medical products through designated channels to facilitate swift regulatory action and protect public health.