Importer assists Ghanaian authorities to recall Indian anti-malaria drug from market

Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited has outlined measures to assist the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to recall Gsunate Plus Suppository, an anti- malaria combination of Artesunate 25mg and Amodiaquine 75mg, from the market.

Tobinco, importers of the drug, has directed all hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, licensed chemical sellers and other health facilities having stocks of Gsunate Plus Suppository to immediately handover stocks to its Regional offices or the nearest FDA office countrywide for safe disposal.

A statement signed by Mr. Justice Essuman, Tobinco Managing Director and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, assured all customers that the management had instituted a compensation arrangement for the recalled product.

According to the statement Tobinco would never compromise on the safety of patients; “patients who use our medicine are our first priority and we would ensure that we meet the set high quality standards which has been our hallmark over the years”.

Tobinco therefore urged the general public especially health professionals to call the following numbers; 0509400207, 0264360000, 0244385155 or MTN Toll Free 18013 for any relevant information in respect of the recall exercise.

The FDA appealed to the public in a statement not to patronise GSUNATE Plus. Itsaid the importer, Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited, was assisting the Authority to recall the drug from the market.

The anti-malarial suppository made up of combination of Artesunate 25mg and Amodiaquine 75mg, manufactured in India by a company called BLISS GVS PHARMA Limited, did not undergo any clinical trial.

Source: GNA