Punjab Health Alert: Ban on 8 IV Fluids and Injections After ADR Complaints
Jalandhar, October 12, 2025: The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department has issued an urgent order banning the use of eight IV fluids and injections after receiving Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) complaints from several hospitals in the state. The step is being taken as a precautionary health safety measure to prevent any further risk to patients.
Reason Behind the Ban
Following multiple reports of suspected reactions among patients, the Health Department directed all civil hospitals, medical colleges, and private healthcare facilities to immediately stop using these batches. The banned items include common IV fluids such as Normal Saline, Dextrose Injections, Ciprofloxacin Injection, DNS IV Fluids, and Bupivacaine with Dextrose Injection.
List of IV Fluids and Injections Under Ban
| Sr. No. | Name of Medicine / IV Fluid | Batch Number | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Normal Saline (0.9%) | SMNBI463 | M/s Swarup Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
| 2 | Normal Saline (0.9%) | SMNBI467 | M/s Swarup Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
| 3 | Dextrose Injection 5% | DIFX109 | M/s Swarup Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
| 4 | Ciprofloxacin Injection 200 ml | CIFX17 | M/s Swarup Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
| 5 | Ciprofloxacin Injection 200 ml | CIFX23 | M/s Swarup Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. |
| 6 | DNS (Dextrose Normal Saline 0.9%) | 2235410 | Otsuka Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd. |
| 7 | N/2 Dextrose 5% IV Fluid | 1248536 | Otsuka Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd. |
| 8 | Bupivacaine HCL with Dextrose Injection | HIYU24014P | Health Biotech Ltd. |
Health Department’s Advisory
- All hospitals and healthcare centers must immediately stop using these batches.
- Medical stores are instructed to remove the mentioned lots from shelves and isolate them.
- District drug inspectors will collect the samples for quality testing at government-approved laboratories.
- Hospitals should report any new ADR cases to the district ADR monitoring cell.
Statement from Officials
Officials from the Punjab Health Department clarified that the ban is purely precautionary and aimed at protecting patients until laboratory reports confirm the safety of these drugs. Once investigation results are received, further actions—such as revoking or extending the ban—will be decided.
About ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction)
ADR refers to harmful or unexpected reactions to a drug administered at normal doses. These can include fever, skin rashes, difficulty in breathing, or other allergic symptoms. The department has advised medical personnel to stay vigilant and report such cases immediately.
Public Advisory
Doctors, chemists, and hospital authorities are requested to carefully verify batch numbers before administering or selling any IV fluid. The public should also be cautious and inquire about batch numbers when undergoing IV treatment.
Conclusion
This move by the Punjab Health Department reflects its commitment to ensuring public safety and medical quality standards. The department will issue a follow-up notification once test results confirm the status of these medicines.
FAQs
Q1. Why has the Punjab Health Department banned these fluids?
Because ADR complaints were received from various hospitals indicating possible adverse reactions in patients.
Q2. Is this a permanent ban?
No, it is temporary until lab tests confirm whether the affected batches are safe or contaminated.
Q3. Which companies’ products are involved?
M/s Swash Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., and Health Biotech Ltd.
Q4. What should hospitals and chemists do now?
Stop use and sale of these specific batches immediately and await official clearance.
