The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has announced the immediate suspension of the importation, distribution, and use of all RELIEF tablets following the discovery of unauthorised variants circulating in the Rwandan pharmaceutical market.
In a public notice dated June 11, 2025, the regulatory agency stated that post-marketing surveillance revealed that tablets branded as RELIEF—available in different dosages—had entered the market without proper authorisation. These tablets contain a combination of Diclofenac Sodium, Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Magnesium Trisilicate.
The statement ordered that “all importers, distributors, and retail pharmacies are required to immediately cease the distribution and dispensing of RELIEF tablets and quarantine all existing stock.”
The Rwanda FDA stressed that the consumption of unregistered or unauthorized medicines poses significant health risks. The agency issued a strong warning to the public to refrain from purchasing or using any RELIEF-branded tablets until further notice.
This move comes shortly after the authority recently recalled a batch of French-manufactured aspirin over quality issues, reinforcing its commitment to tightening pharmaceutical regulations and protecting public health.
In the same notice, the FDA reminded all pharmaceutical stakeholders that the importation, distribution, and sale of unapproved medicines is illegal and punishable under Rwandan law.
The regulatory body is expected to conduct further investigations and may consider legal actions against parties found to have violated importation protocols. It has also urged the public and health workers to report any cases of adverse drug reactions or suspicious pharmaceutical products through official Rwanda FDA communication channels.
The suspension of RELIEF tablets highlights ongoing efforts by the Rwandan government to improve drug quality monitoring and enforcement, especially in light of the growing challenges posed by counterfeit and substandard medicines across the region.
