OBJECTIVES:

Iodophor antiseptic solutions are currently used in healthcare for many purposes, including skin antisepsis before surgery and venipuncture, irrigation of wounds and ulcers. Harmful adverse effects from the use of the poor-quality povidone-iodine have been documented in Egypt. Contamination of the implicated povidone-iodine occurred at the site of manufacture. The objective of this study is to discuss and set recommendations to combat the poor-quality povidone-iodine in Egypt.

METHODS:

A focus group of decision makers that included academic experts with experience in health economics, clinical pharmacology, and infection control were invited by a research unit to develop a set of recommendations taking into account current practices by using a Quasi Delphi method.

RESULTS:

Poor-quality products may contain incorrect amounts or even no active ingredients at all, as well as products that are inadequate due to poor compliance to conventional quality standards. This can subject the population to more severe and prolonged illness, resulting in additional costs to payers. A set of recommendations can combat the distribution of poor-quality povidone-iodine in Egypt; including adhering to good manufacturing practices and taking appropriate measures, such as scheduled quality control checks of finished product , applying a dispenser with safety sealing mechanism to prevent any contamination, incentivizing retailers to identify and report falsified poor quality products, and implementing efficient import/export control systems.

CONCLUSIONS:

These recommendations can improve the health outcomes of population subjected to the use of these products. There is still an urgent need for a collective response by the decision makers, regulatory bodies, and pharmaceutical companies to enhance research and develop funding, such as for new track-and-trace field devices.