Diabetics urged not to stop Metformin without check-up
The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MOHAP, stated that it has received reports issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicating the presence of the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) impurity at higher levels than the permitted rates in some products of the manufacturing companies for Metformin drug which is prescribed to treat patients with diabetes type 2.
NDMA is found at low levels in numerous items of food and some drinking water, as well as polluted air, where the exposure to this substance at higher levels more than acceptable daily intake and for very long periods can increase cancer risk, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
MOHAP underlined that all the precautionary measures have been taken for patients’ health and safety, pointing out that it constantly follows up on the proportions of the raw material of NDMA which is imported by the manufacturing companies of Metformin drug. MOHAP added that it also follows up with the drug agents and their companies to confirm NDMA proportions in Metformin preparations which are imported to the country as an end product. Analysis should be carried out in any accredited laboratory while ensuring that the recommended method of analysis is followed by the FDA, according to the minimum acceptable dose per day. Manufacturing companies should submit the required reports within 6 months of the date of this circular, the end of the current month as a deadline.
The Health Ministry stressed that it has not yet been found that there are unacceptable proportions in the Metformin products in the country and that it still asks companies to provide the ministry with the results of the approved analyses to ensure that there is no NDMA impurity in the drugs imported to the country.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MOHAP’S) Public Health Policy and Licences, affirmed that MOHAP is still conducting all the required analyses for the pharmaceutical preparations that contain NDMA substance and that the ministry will instantly announce the findings of these analyses on those products containing NDMA impurity which will be withdrawn from the market.
Al Amiri urged patients not to stop taking Metformin drug or adjusting the dose without consulting their attending physicians.
He also recommended the health practitioners not to stop prescribing Metformin drug until they get any updated information from MOHAP.
Al Amiri noted that MOHAP communicates on a daily basis with the Metformin-related international organisations, such as the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia to investigate any warning related to any pharmaceuticals. This comes as part of MOHAP’S keenness on enhancing patients’ health and safety and building quality and safety for therapeutic, healthcare, and pharmaceutical systems according to international standards.
The Health Ministry urged community members and health practitioners to immediately report any side effects of drugs or poor-quality medicines through the UAE RADAR portal at http:// www.mohap.gov.ae/ar/services/pages/406.aspx
And for all other inquiries, contact the e-mail: pv@mohap.gov.ae, or 042301000
HAEMOPHILIA GROUP
A regional online seminar organised by UAE Haemophilia Group brought together 19 prominent experts and specialists of haematology. The online event’s main goal was to create awareness on the challenges that affect bleeding disorder patients during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It also showcased the solutions that could allow patients to maintain their health while demonstrating preventive methods that could help protect them from the virus. The seminar took place during the Arab World’s celebration of International Haemophilia Day in cooperation with several partners including World Federation of Haemophilia, UAE Haemophilia Group , Kuwait Haemophilia Group and Saudi Society of Haemophilia. The event was sponsored by Sobi Middle East.
The seminar saw a large audience of close to 600 participants which included haemophilia patients and their respective families.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri requested patients not to stop taking Metformin drug or adjusting the dose without consulting their attending physicians