All necessary measures are being taken to ensure patients can continue their treatment, the Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of Health said in a statement, following the recent voluntary recall of pharmaceutical products by Remedica Ltd.
Alternatives already secured for most products
The Pharmaceutical Services said they are in continuous contact with all parties involved, working with the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO), the company and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure patients' treatment continues without disruption. They noted that for the large majority of the recalled products, solutions and alternative treatment options have already been secured, either using the same active substance or, where required, a suitable alternative treatment.
Patients told not to stop treatment on their own
"Patients should under no circumstances stop their treatment on their own. They are urged to follow the instructions of their treating physician and, where required, switch treatment in line with the relevant medical guidance," the Pharmaceutical Services said.
The Pharmaceutical Services, the HIO and all parties involved remain in close cooperation to ensure uninterrupted continuation of the necessary treatment for all affected patients.
Recall described as precautionary, linked to stability data
The Pharmaceutical Services said Remedica Ltd proceeded voluntarily with the recall of specific pharmaceutical products after identifying certain results outside defined limits in the context of stability studies.
"The issue concerns product stability parameters and does not involve any finding of toxicity or that the products in question are harmful to patients. The recall is therefore a precautionary measure within the strict quality and safety procedures governing the production and distribution of pharmaceutical products," they added.
Standard procedure used across the EU
The Pharmaceutical Services said equivalent procedures are applied across the European Union and internationally whenever data emerges that requires the precautionary withdrawal of a product or specific batches.
"By its nature, such a recall cannot be foreseen or scheduled in advance. In this case, the procedures set out for the company and the relevant authorities were activated immediately after the issue came to light," they concluded.
Contact for further information
For information, contact the Pharmaceutical Services on 22 608620 or by email at phscentral@phs.moh.gov.cy.
