By Rukudzo Gota
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has flagged falsified and unregistered Cloxacillin capsules on the market.
With falsified medicines posing a significant threat to public health, in statement, MCAZ these capsules were identified as originating from Gartas Investments.
These counterfeit capsules according to the medicines regulator lack the safety and efficacy assurances of the genuine product manufactured by Varichem Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd.
MCAZ highlighted distinctive features that differentiate the falsified product from its legitimate counterpart. While the authentic Cloxacillin capsules are marked with “V-CLOX 250” and packaged with rounded, orange labels, the fraudulent versions are characterized by sharp-cornered brown labels and unmarked capsules. Furthermore, legitimate products are securely sealed with aluminum foil, a feature conspicuously absent from the falsified capsules.
“The introduction of these counterfeit medicines into the market is alarming they not only compromise patient safety but also contribute to the growing issues of antimicrobial resistance, patients receiving ineffective treatment may suffer from worsening infections, leading to complications that pose even greater public health risks.” said Richard T. Rukwata the Director General of MCAZ.
MCAZ has since mandated all licensed pharmacies, wholesalers, as well as public and private healthcare institutions to immediately quarantine the falsified Cloxacillin 250mg capsules.
They have set a deadline of August 1, 2025, for the quarantined units to be submitted for safe disposal. The Authority is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and supply chain stakeholders to remove these counterfeit medicines from circulation and protect public health.
“Healthcare professionals and the public are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of falsified medicines to the MCAZ. The dangers associated with taking counterfeit medications include not only the risk of treatment failure but also potential harmful side effects from unknown or dangerous ingredients,” added MCAZ.
MCAZ, established under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, is tasked with safeguarding public health by ensuring the quality and safety of medicines available on the market. The Authority emphasizes its commitment to continuous surveillance and public education to combat the increasing threat of counterfeit medicines.
