Analysis of Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency Drug Recall Reports Between 2018-2024

Objective: The reasons and characteristics of drug recalls by TITCK between 2018-2024 were analysed. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of drug recalls between 2018-2024 was conducted on the TITCK website. Data on drug recalls were investigated and systematically listed. Data were analysed by year for the number of drugs and the level of drug recall. Result: Between 2018-2024, TITCK issued drug recall reports for 133 different brands belonging to 67 pharmaceutical companies. It is seen that 14 reasons are effective in the recall of drugs. Contamination, particles, foreign bodies, sterility, European Medicines Agency (EMA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings, packaging incompatibility, safety problems, TITCK Scientific Committees or the voluntary recall request of the licensed company are among the most notable drug recall reasons. The highest numbers of recalls were observed in 1st Class A level (110 recalls) and 1st Class B level (56 recalls). The most recalls were made in 2021 with 30 companies and 44 drugs. Conclusion: It is seen that the same pharmaceutical companies are experiencing drug recalls, especially for the same reason. If pharmaceutical companies focus on the reasons for the recall, the number of recalls may decrease. Regular preparation of drug recall reports by TITCK Scientific Committees could minimize possible safety-related errors. The voluntary recall requests of licensed companies could be seen as an effort by companies to produce quality drugs.