Pharmacy and Poisons Agency recalls Efinox nasal drops due to label mix-up

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has recalled a batch of Efinox nasal drops due to a labelling mix-up.

The Board recalled Efinox 1% w/v Batch No. 82979 and Efinox 0.5% w/v Batch No. 82978, manufactured by Laboratory and Allied Ltd, Kenya, due to labelling mix-ups where the correct product was identified but the wrong strength was used.

In a statement released on Friday, Dr F.M. Siyoi, Chief Executive Officer, noted that "although the correct product was identified, the wrong strength was applied".

An investigation by Laboratory and Allied Ltd revealed that "there was likely a mix-up between the 0.5% w/v and 1% w/v strengths of Efinox Nasal Drops during the labelling and packaging process of the above batches".

In light of this, the agency is advising all pharmacies, healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals and members of the public to "immediately stop further distribution, sale, dispensing or use of the affected batches of product.

The products should be returned to the nearest healthcare facility or to their respective suppliers.

The agency urged the public to report any suspected cases of substandard medicines or adverse drug reactions to the nearest healthcare facility or directly to the agency.

Efinox is a nasal spray commonly used to treat conditions such as colds, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and sinusitis.

It usually contains an active ingredient such as xylometazoline, which is a decongestant.

Xylometazoline works by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion and making it easier to breathe.

Efinox is available in different strengths, such as 0.5% and 1% solutions, which are used to relieve nasal congestion.