Four Vaccine Batches Withdrawn Due to Contamination Scare

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) states that approximately 220,000 doses of the Ondansetron injection, administered to control vomiting and dizziness, had been used before it was withdrawn from hospitals, following the revelation that it contained a contaminant.

The Authority's Chairman, Specialist Doctor Ananda Wijewickrama, stated that out of the 270,000 relevant injections imported into the country, steps were taken to remove them from hospitals starting last Friday (12).

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority points out that the presence of a contaminant in this injection was first reported by doctors at Kandy General Hospital. Subsequently, with reports from several other hospitals regarding the matter, steps were taken to withdraw 4 batches of the relevant injection from use.

Meanwhile, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority states that information has been reported that two patients at Colombo IDH Hospital, who were given the relevant injection, have died, and an investigation has also been launched into that matter.

It is reported that in addition to the investigations by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority, the Medical Research Institute has also launched an investigation into this matter. The manufacturer of this injection, which was imported into the country from an Indian company, has been informed to provide a clarification within 28 days.