Some pharmacists in Huye District have expressed concerns over financial losses caused by the suspension of certain medications after they had already stocked them. This follows a recent decision by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) to ban the importation, distribution, and use of all tablet forms of a drug known as “RELIEF”.
“RELIEF” is a commonly used medication among Rwandans, often taken to relieve headaches and other pains quickly. However, after a recent inspection conducted on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the Rwanda FDA announced the suspension of all forms of the drug, citing failure to meet quality standards.
In an official statement, the FDA declared:
“Through its routine quality control inspections of medicines on the market, Rwanda FDA discovered substandard and unauthorized batches of ‘RELIEF’ tablets in various quantities across Rwanda. These tablets contain a combination of Diclofenac Sodium, Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Magnesium Trisilicate.”
As a result, Rwanda FDA issued the following directives:
- All importers, wholesalers, and pharmacies must immediately cease the distribution and dispensing of all “RELIEF” tablets and quarantine any remaining stock.
- The general public is urged not to purchase or consume any “RELIEF” tablets until further notice.
The FDA emphasized that importing, distributing, or dispensing unauthorized medication is illegal and punishable by law.
Pharmacists in Huye District say they comply with FDA directives immediately upon announcement but suffer economic losses when such decisions are made after they have already purchased the products.
“When FDA announces a suspension due to quality issues, we respect and follow the instructions as pharmaceutical vendors. However, it results in financial losses for us because we already purchased the stock,” said one pharmacy operator.
In response to concerns raised by sellers and users of the banned medication, the FDA reassured the public that not all batches are harmful. Their investigation identified some counterfeit or substandard versions that may have entered the country and could pose health risks.
Health experts warn that consuming poor-quality or counterfeit drugs can have severe consequences on human health, including the risk of death.
