Abbott Issues Alert On Antibiotic Amoxyclav Batches After Fake Stock Detected In India

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 20:05 IST

Amoxyclav 625, one of the largest-selling products of Abbott in India, is a combination of two drugs which are used to treat bacterial infections

The communication describes the move as a precautionary measure to protect patients and ensure that only genuine products are available in the supply chain. Representational image

American pharmaceutical company Abbott has issued an alert to its distribution network in India for select batches of its antibiotic Amoxyclav 625, after counterfeit versions of the medicine were detected in the market, News18 has learnt.

In a communication issued by Biomech Healthcare, pan-India franchise partner of Abbott, stockists have been “strictly instructed not to procure, stock or sell" three batches of Amoxyclav 625 (10s) “under any circumstances" as they have been identified as “confirmed fake or counterfeit".

“We bring to your attention that Amoxyclav 625 10s batches MFK0076, MKFO692 and MKF0722 currently in circulation are confirmed fake or counterfeit," said the notice, accessed by News18.

News18 reached out to the company for its official statement. However, Abbott’s response on the matter is awaited.

About Amoxyclav

Amoxyclav 625 is one of the largest-selling products of Abbott in India. It is a combination of two drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for infections of the lungs (such as pneumonia), ear, nasal sinuses, urinary tract, skin, and soft tissues

The communication describes the move as a precautionary measure to protect patients and ensure that only genuine products are available in the supply chain. “To ensure product authenticity and patient safety, please make all purchases exclusively through our authorised stockists," the alert to stockists urged.

Abbott has asked its stockists and distributors to “immediately notify" if they encounter any “such stock" and “cooperate in preventing further circulation."

“Take necessary actions to protect public health and avoid any potential liability," the communication said. “This notice serves as a critical alert to safeguard the integrity of our products and the well-being of patients. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated."

Counterfeit Medicines: A Persistent Challenge

India has been facing repeated incidents of counterfeit and substandard medicines, particularly antibiotics and paediatric syrups, over the past few years.

According to an earlier estimate by the World Health Organization (WHO), around 35 per cent of fake drugs sold globally come from India.

In 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), in its annual Special 301 Report on intellectual property protection and counterfeit markets, flagged India’s growing problem of spurious and counterfeit medicines. The report claimed that nearly 20 per cent of pharmaceutical products sold in the Indian market were counterfeit.

Moved by the findings, the government agencies made a move against the fake drugs by adopting strict implementation of bar codes or QR codes on India’s top-selling drugs, which include antibiotics, cardiac drugs, painkillers, anti-diabetics, and anti-allergic medicines. However, the government has now realised that the scanning rate of QR codes on these medicines is very low due to poor consumer awareness efforts.

Himani Chandna

Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular...Read More

Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular...

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