WHO Warns On Substandard Cancer Drug

The World Health Organisation(WHO) has warned the public over substandard cancer and autoimmune disease called Methotrex (methotrexate) 50mg.
In a statement it released from its news desk yesterday the apex world health body said the drug is now in circulation in Yemen and Lebanon, and other Eastern Mediterranean countries.
. Methotrexate is on the WHO model list of essential medicines and is indicated for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The stated manufacturer, CELON Laboratories Pvt Ltd., has confirmed to WHO that the batch number, manufacturing, and expiry dates combination referenced above match their internal records. At this stage, they have not had access to samples of the suspect products for their own confirmatory testing.
Methotrexate is a chemotherapy agent and immune system suppressant. It may be given by intrathecal, intramuscular, intravenous, or intra-arterial routes. Patients receiving methotrexate treatment may have weakened immune systems and be more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection is a serious infection that may lead to death and any product that has any contamination and is administered directly in the body would present serious risks to patients.
However, it is likely that this product may have been distributed to other countries through informal markets. It is important to detect and remove this contaminated product from circulation to prevent harm to patients.
The world health body called for surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by this product stressing that Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. All medical products must be approved and obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers.
“ If you have these substandard products, please do not use them. If you, or someone you know, have used them or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use, you are advised to seek immediate medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional and report the incident to the National Regulatory Authority or National Pharmacovigilance Centre”, WHO added.