Substandard PARADEX tables on sale

Dozens of powdery PARADEX Acetaminophen & Aspirin tablets are flooding the Liberian market, raising serious public outcry in Monrovia and its environs as to who put the substandard drug on the market for sale.

Investigation conducted and samples of the drug obtained by this paper reveal the 2×10 tablets, which expire this July, 2018 are packaged in a colorful pack, turning powdery due to poor storage.

Importer and distributors are yet to be identified, but inscription on its pack reads, “Manufactured in India by: LABORATE Pharmaceuticals India Ltd.”The drug is used to cure headache, migraine, toothache, pain, cold, influenza, chest and throat infections as well as help to low body temperature.

This paper also gathers that as a direct result of the expiry condition of the drug it has found its way to unlicensed retailers who are selling a pack for as low as 50 Liberian Dollars rather than the actual price of US$5.00.

Specialists and physicians who preferred anonymity suggest the Ministries of Health and Commerce should work in collaboration with the Liberia National Police to arrest importer, distributor, retailers to retrieve the drug from the market in Monrovia in order to prevent distribution across the country.

They caution that if this is not urgently done, unsuspecting members of the public could buy the expiring drug, which could pose further health threat.One physician explains that anyone who takes more than a daily dose of PARADEX risks serious liver damage or allergic reactions such as swollen face and mouth, pain in the throat, respiratory complication and rash on the body, among others.

When this paper contacted offices of the Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce in Monrovia, Mrs. Josephine Davies was said to be indisposed due to other engagements.However, a staff in the office promised to notify her of the situation so that prompt action is taken in identifying importer and distributor of the drug.

By Emmanuel Mondaye–Editing by Jonathan Browne