Use of anti-haemophilia medicine suspended across Punjab after reports of adverse reactions

The blood cell of the National Health Mission (NHM), Punjab, has directed all civil and district hospitals, as well as government medical colleges, to immediately suspend and quarantine all batches of anti-haemophilia Factor IX (600 IU) concentrate, manufactured by ICHOR Biologics Pvt Ltd following reports of adverse reactions in some patients after its administration.

The concentrate is a vital blood derivative used in the treatment and prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with Hemophilia B — a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of Factor IX, a protein essential for blood clotting.

The drug works by replacing the missing clotting factor, enabling normal blood coagulation and reducing the risk of prolonged bleeding.

According to official data, Punjab has around 550 registered hemophilia patients, though experts estimate this represents only about 7.4 per cent of the total cases in the state, suggesting that the actual number of people affected by the disorder may be significantly higher.

Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, alone has about 100 registered patients with Hemophilia B.

In its advisory, the blood cell has instructed all nodal officers and in-charges of Integrated Centres for Hemoglobinopathies and Haemophilia (ICHH), as well as blood centres, to cease the use and administration of Anti-Haemophilia Factor IX 600 IU from all batches.

They have been asked to segregate and quarantine all existing stock at their respective facilities with immediate effect and maintain detailed records of quarantined stock and submit reports to the drug inspector concerned and the state blood cell office.

The batches currently under suspension are FN23005, FN24004, FN25006, FN25007, FN25009, and FN25013, according to the official order.

Authorities clarified that the suspension is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of laboratory testing by Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) to determine the safety and quality of the implicated product, said Dr Pardeep Kumar, Civil Surgeon, Moga.

Moga district has 36 registered hemophilia patients.