AMR risk as falsified Cloxacillin capsules flood m...

AMR risk as falsified Cloxacillin capsules flood market

Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has warned of a potential risk of anti-microbial resistance, as falsified Cloxacillin capsules are being illegally distributed on the market.

In a statement, MCAZ Director General Richard Rukwata, said Gartats Investments has been identified as one of the sources of the falsified product.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop the ability to survive and thrive despite being exposed to antimicrobial medications designed to kill them.

This resistance makes infections harder to treat and can lead to prolonged illnesses, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.

“The circulation of falsified medicines poses a serious threat to public health and patient safety due to the potential lack of efficacy, harmful components, and the risk of treatment failure in the treatment of bacterial diseases, leading to antimicrobial resistance,” said Rukwata.

Rukwata warned the public, healthcare professionals, wholesalers, pharmacies and healthcare institutions on the presence of falsified Cloxacillin capsules being illegally distributed on the market.

“The falsified product differs significantly from the genuine registered Cloxacillin manufactured by Varichem Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.

“Key distinguishing features include: label appearance: the falsified version bears sharp-cornered brown labels, while the authentic Varichem product has rounded, orange-coloured labels.

“Capsule Markings: falsified capsules are unmarked, whereas the genuine capsules are clearly marked “V-CLOX 250.”

“Packaging: the authentic Cloxacillin containers are sealed with aluminium foil—a feature missing from the falsified product.

He added all licensed pharmacies, wholesalers, public and private clinics and hospitals should quarantine any units of the falsified Cloxacillin 250mg capsules. “Thereafter, these quarantined units must be submitted to the Authority for disposal by the 1st of August, 2025.

“MCAZ continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and supply chain stakeholders to identify and remove counterfeit medicines from the market.

“The Authority remains committed to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines available in Zimbabwe,” added Rukwata.