News

Mefloquine shortage

Shortage of 250mg mefloquine (Lariam) antimalarial tablets in the United Kingdom (UK) until the end of March 2026

Updated: 16 January 2026
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Avloclor (chloroquine tablets) discontinued and Malarivon (chloroquine syrup) out of stock

Updated information for health professionals on the supply of chloroquine for malaria chemoprophylaxis

Updated: 08 December 2025
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Falsified rabies vaccine: India

Falsified rabies vaccine is circulating through unauthorised sources in India

Updated: 29 October 2025
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Yellow fever vaccine: supply update

Temporary disruption in supply of yellow fever vaccine (Stamaril) in the UK

Updated: 06 August 2025
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Falsified antibiotics reported in WHO African Region

Falsified HEALMOXY (Amoxicillin) identified in Cameroon and Central African Republic

Updated: 02 May 2025
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Falsified rabies vaccine: Zimbabwe

Falsified rabies vaccine is circulating through unauthorised sources in Zimbabwe

Updated: 04 February 2025
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Rabipur Rabies vaccine product alert for health professionals

Reports of rubber particles after reconstitution- recommendations to minimise the risk of particles

Updated: 30 August 2024
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Rabies vaccine shortage: advice for health professionals

Important advice on rabies vaccine shortage for health professionals

Updated: 28 June 2024
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Rabies risk worldwide: practical advice for travellers during rabies vaccine shortages

An important reminder of practical aspects of rabies prevention for travellers

Updated: 12 December 2023
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17 October 2025

Contaminated medicine in India

On 13 October 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a Medical Product Alert about oral cold medicine in India contaminated with diethylene glycol (toxic to humans) linked to clusters of acute illness and deaths of children in India. These medicines are COLDRIF, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals and Shape Pharma. These contaminated oral liquid medicines named in this alert are unsafe, pose a significant risk and can cause severe, potentially life-threatening illness. Their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death. Please see WHO Medical Product Alert N°5/2025: Substandard (contaminated) oral liquid medicines for further details.

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