The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding a contaminated batch of 50 mg Methotrexate (METHOTREX 50mg) in its Eastern Mediterranean region. The organization stated in a release on its official website that "the contaminated batch was found in Yemen and Lebanon, following reports of adverse effects on child patients receiving the medication." It clarified that "health authorities in both countries conducted microbiological tests on the remaining sealed vials, and the test results revealed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, indicating product contamination."
The organization emphasized the "need to identify and withdraw contaminated products from distribution to prevent harm to patients," and called for increased monitoring and caution along supply chains in countries and regions likely to be affected by the product. It also advised "increased surveillance in informal markets and urged local authorities to notify it immediately if the product is discovered in their markets." The WHO urged manufacturing companies to "conduct tests for any microbial contamination before releasing batches of final products for use," stressing the need to obtain medications through approved and licensed suppliers, and to carefully verify the authenticity and physical condition of the products.
The drug is listed in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and is an immunosuppressive chemotherapy agent used to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in the bloodstream are severe and can be fatal, and any contaminated product injected directly into the body poses significant risks to patients.
