MCAZ warns of fake Cloxacillin Capsules circulating.
Bokang Tlou,Health Reporter
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has issued a warning to the public, healthcare professionals, pharmacies, wholesalers and healthcare institutions regarding the illegal distribution of falsified Cloxacillin 250mg capsules on the local market.
Cloxacillin is an antibiotic agent used for the treatment of beta-hemolytic streptococcal and pneumococcal infections as well as staphylococcal infections.
In a statement, the Director General of MCAZ Mr Richard Rukwata, said the medicine is being distributed by unidentified sources, with Gartats Investments flagged as one of the companies involved in the circulation of the falsified product.
He said Cloxacillin is noticeably seen through the genuine medication manufactured by Varichem Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd saying the difference between the fake and the original is the label appearance.
The counterfeit version has sharp-cornered brown labels, while the original Varichem product comes with rounded, orange-coloured labels.
Also, he said falsified capsules are unmarked, whereas the authentic capsules are printed with “V-CLOX 250.”
The genuine Cloxacillin is sealed with aluminum foil, a critical feature absent in the counterfeit product.
MCAZ has expressed concerns over the health risks posed by the circulation of falsified medicines
“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 bacterial infections, ultimately contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” said Mr Rukwata.
The Authority is calling on all licensed pharmacies, wholesalers, public and private healthcare institutions to immediately quarantine any suspected falsified Cloxacillin capsules in their possession. These units must be submitted to MCAZ for safe disposal by 1 August 2025.
They also assured the public that MCAZ is actively working with the law enforcement agencies and stakeholders within the pharmaceutical supply chain to track and remove counterfeit medicines from circulation.
“The Authority remains committed to ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicines available in Zimbabwe,” Mr. Rukwata added.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious pharmaceutical products to MCAZ or visit licensed pharmacies for verification.
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