This Medical Product Alert relates to the recent circulation of two confirmed falsified versions of Quinine Sulphate circulating in Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, containing zero active pharmaceutical ingredient.
Quinine Sulphate is used for the treatment of Falciparum Malaria in the region.
These products were initially discovered by a local NGO. They initially failed field screening and were submitted to a WHO pre-qualified Quality Assurance laboratory. Subsequent analysis showed that neither product contained any of the stated active pharmaceutical ingredient.
The first product was discovered in Cameroon. The second product was discovered in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Details and photographs of the products are available here.
It is necessary to ensure that all medical products are obtained from authentic and reliable sources. Their authenticity and origin should be carefully checked and verified with manufacturers before use.
If you are in possession of these products, please do not use them. If you have taken this falsified product, or if you suffer an adverse event following its uptake, please seek immediate advice from a qualified healthcare professional, and report the incident to your local Ministry of Health/National Medicines Regulatory Authorities/National Pharmacovigilance Centre.
WHO requests increased vigilance within the supply chains of countries likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased vigilance should include hospitals, clinics, health centres, pharmacies and any other suppliers of medical products.
Health authorities are asked to immediately notify WHO if these falsified products are discovered in their country. If you have any information on their supply and/or distribution, please contact rapidalert@who.int
Details and photographs of the products are available here.