The World Health Organization has warned of a "contaminated batch" of a drug used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases in Lebanon and Yemen.

The World Health Organization stated in a statement that the contaminated batch belonged to the drug "Methotrex 50 mg" in the organization's eastern Mediterranean region.

She explained, "The contaminated batch was found in Lebanon and Yemen, after harmful effects appeared on sick children receiving the medicine."

She indicated that the health authorities in the two countries conducted microbiological tests on the remaining sealed vials, the results of which revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which indicates contamination of the products.

Methotrexate is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It is an immunosuppressive chemotherapy agent prescribed for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Any contaminated product injected directly into the body can pose serious risks to patients.

This batch was supposed to be sold exclusively in the Indian markets, and the quantity in Lebanon and Yemen was imported from outside the organized supply chain, so the manufacturing company “could not guarantee the safety of the product.”
Source: agencies