The Department of Health (DH) today (December 17) instructed C Vetapet & Company, a licensed drug wholesaler, to recall a batch (batch number: C28083) of an animal drug, namely Quantel Tablet (registration number: HK-50424), because of a quality issue. The DH today received notification from the product's manufacturer in Ireland that a batch of Quantel Tablet had failed the dissolution test during the stability study. According to the manufacturer, the initial assessment revealed that the failure was probably due to the higher than average tablet hardness of the batch concerned.
The failure in the dissolution test may affect the efficacy of the product. The DH has requested C Vetapet to provide a detailed investigation report on the causes of the incident. The investigation by the DH is continuing.
Quantel Tablet, containing fenbendazole and praziquantel, is an over-the-counter drug indicated for the treatment of roundworms and tapeworms in dogs and cats.
According to C Vetapet, a total of 15,000 boxes of the batch concerned were imported into Hong Kong in June 2012. The product was only supplied to local pet shops.
C Vetapet has set up a hotline at 2425 7871 to answer related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.
Members of the public should consult veterinary surgeons if in doubt.
(Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201212/17/P201212170607.htm )