Health Ministry Lifts Ban On Suspended Anti-Inflammatory Drug
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has removed the quarantine order on Mefnac Oral Suspension (Mefenamic Acid 50mg/5ml) following months of safety investigations.
PPB noted that the decision was made after comprehensive quality control tests proved that the product meets all health and safety requirements.
“The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has lifted the quarantine order issued on 11th December 2024 through a public alert for Mefnac Oral Suspension (Mefenamic Acid 50mg/5ml) manufactured by Elfrose Chemical Industries Pvt Limited, Pakistan,” read part of the statement.
The board explained that the original quarantine, issued on December 11, 2024, was a precautionary step due to worries about potential contamination.
𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓 – Pharmacy and Poisons Board Lifts Quarantine on mefnac Oral Suspension. pic.twitter.com/xtCanUBXkX
— Pharmacy and Poisons (@ppbkenya) March 17, 2025
Laboratory tests have proven that the medicine is safe to distribute and use.
The tests were primarily designed to detect the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG), two chemicals known to cause serious health problems if taken in significant amounts.
Mefnac Oral Suspension (Mefenamic Acid 50mg/5ml) is an anti-inflammatory medication often used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches and toothaches.
Additionally, some women take Mefenamic Acid to treat severe menstruation discomfort (dysmenorrhea).
The medicine works by lowering the body’s synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain, inflammation, and fever.
Following the recent notification from the PPB, Mefenamic Acid is expected to return to medical facilities, with the board stating that licensed pharmacies will have access to the drug.
Kenyans have been cautioned to remain watchful against substandard medicines that may enter the market as a result of the decision.
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Unexpected adverse responses are a crucial signal of poor-quality medications, such as Mefenamic Acid.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has recommended patients to report similar events to them immediately.
In December, the PPB also warned Floracil 1000 (Fluorouracil 1000mg/2ml injectable), a cancer treatment medicine.
The regulatory agency cautioned that the medicine, sourced from an Indian pharmaceutical company, was inferior and hazardous for human use.
Health Ministry Lifts Ban On Suspended Anti-Inflammatory Drug
