South Africa: Alarm over drug recalls
A packaging error by a factory worker a year ago has led to a nationwide recall of two types of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs manufactured by Adcock Ingram, a major supplier of ARV medicines to the private and public sectors.
Adcock described the recall as a "precautionary measure". (Image: Julius Mwelu/IRIN)
The error occurred when the worker put blister packs of Nevirapine into nine boxes marked as containing Zidovudine (AZT). Both drugs are commonly prescribed as part of first-line ARV treatment regimens.
Adcock became aware of the problem in June, but only notified the Medicines Control Council (MCC), South Africa's drug regulatory authority, in July and announced the recall of the two batches of drugs on 8 August.
