New Delhi: A counterfeit version of the human anti-rabies vaccine Abhayrab, in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Lucknow, has become a cause of concern for the Delhi Drugs Control Department. (DDCD). The regulatory body issued an urgent warning about the circulation of the fake vaccine, which is said to be falsely labelled as a product of Indian Immunologicals Limited, a government agency.
Authorities, the New Indian Express reported, specifically flagged vials from Batch No. KA24014, as the counterfeit version of the anti-rabies vaccine, and said that the fake vaccines significantly differ from the real ones. DDCD issued the warning after receiving a letter from Drugs Controller General (I), CDSCO (Enforcement Division), a government of India subsidiary.
The letter said that the fake vaccine that was being circulated in the markets without maintaining the required cold chain (2-8 degrees centigrades) may cause significant health risk.
“You are requested to sensitise your members on the subject and also bring the contents of this letter to their knowledge. You are advised to be vigilant regarding the sales and purchase of aforesaid products, which is to be done through proper invoices. Any relevant information obtained in the subject matter may be communicated to this office immediately so as to take action as deemed fit against the offenders,” the DDCD notice read.
Abhayrab is a popular anti-rabies vaccine, and as a result the DDCD has asked drug inspectors and pharmacy officials to stay alert to prevent fake vaccines from being distributed. It has also asked pharmacies to maintain proper invoices to verify their supplies.
