Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has ordered the use of Panadol to be stopped until the tests are completed.
The MFDA has developed a post-market surveillance plan to ensure the safety and quality of imported medicines. Random sampling and qualitative and quantitative tests are being conducted.
A sample of Panadol was taken from the market and tested and found that some of the pills were crushed and detached around the pills, the MFDA said.
The MFDA said the drug is likely to fail to provide the benefits or effects of the drug and is investigating the cause of the problem. The MFDA has also ordered pharmacies and public stores not to sell the drug at this time until further notice. The drug has been banned from importing into Maldives until the investigation is completed.
Meanwhile, the MFDA has asked pharmacies, drug warehouses, and general stores to keep stocks of drugs at the prescribed temperature.
The authority added that panadol (paracetamol) is one of the most commonly used drugs in Maldives. Besides paracetamol 500 mg, 11 brands and seven brands of paracetamol 650 mg are on the approved drug list.
