The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a recalled alert for an injection used for pain-relieving as drug was declared substandard by Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL), Karachi, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

 According to a statement released by DRAP, the batch number “23E018” of Artecid 75mg/3mL Injection, manufactured by M/s. Biolabs (Private) Limited, Islamabad as “Adulterated” based on the presence of unaccepted level of Ethylene Glycol impurity.

EG (Ethylene Glycol) is a toxic substance that can have serious adverse effects. EG is metabolized into toxic metabolites that can affect the central nervous system, and heart, and can cause kidney damage, which can be fatal.

The manufacturer has been directed to immediately recall the defective batch of product from the market.

All pharmacists and chemists working at distributions and pharmacies should immediately check their stocks and stop supplying this batch of product.